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WASHINGTON – Today, during Telehealth Awareness Week, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) delivered opening remarks at the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Full Committee Markup on her Telehealth Modernization Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to expand telehealth access for seniors and those with disabilities and to reduce drug prices for patients by reigning in pharmacy benefit managers. Below are her remarks as delivered.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I want to begin by thanking Congressman Carter for his partnership and his leadership on the Telehealth Modernization Act.

And I’m proud to be leading this package with him, and I specifically rise in support of the telehealth and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) provisions.

We have built bipartisan support for extended telehealth flexibilities because these issues impact every single one of our constituents. 

One of the few positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic was the rapid progress we made on expanding telehealth access to seniors and individuals with disabilities through flexibilities in the Medicare program.

For example, in Delaware, health centers rapidly scaled up telehealth to reach patients in underserved communities.

In 2019, just one health center offered minimal telehealth services, but as of 2023, all Delaware health centers provide robust services, providing 44,000 virtual patient visits.

It’s often the bridge to care for patients.

And it’s important that this is access for those people who don’t have transportation or might not have childcare or might not be able to travel.

It’s also important as we look at mental health care as well.

For us, the Telehealth Modernization Act will continue these important gains and support health care providers, including our Federally Qualified Health Centers and rural health clinics.

Our bill will provide reimbursement stability and greater operational efficiencies, enabling providers to see more patients with less pressure.

Telehealth is a lifeline and for so many of our constituents, this bill delivers on the promise.

Our bill will also make it easier for our constituents by lowering the cost of prescription drugs.

A second important component of the Telehealth Modernization Act is our focus on pharmacy benefit managers’ transparency and accountability.

This will also help to make sure that we have compensation at a flat, fair market rate that are not tied to drug prices which will realign the current system that encourages ever-increasing drug prices.

Critically, this bill will finally let the American people know what they are paying for.

Lowering drug prices for seniors has been one of my top priorities in Congress, and this legislation will build on the work we’ve already done.

I am proud of this bipartisan coalition we have built in support of this legislation, and I urge all colleagues to join me in passing the Telehealth Modernization Act to deliver high-quality telehealth care and lower prescription drug costs to Americans.

Thank you, and I yield back.

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