National Headache Foundation Supports Telehealth
NHF supports easy access to telehealth that ensures equal and appropriate access to health care services.
The use of telehealth services has increased a great deal since 2020. Telehealth can help more people access health care. It can also reduce disparities for people living with headache disorders and migraine disease. But they need appropriate coverage and access to technology.
- Telehealth services should be covered by all insurance health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Out-of-pocket costs should not cost more than in-person visits.
- Telehealth technology should be easy to use by people with disabilities, limited English, and limited technology. An audio-only option is key for rural and low-income communities and other people who may not have reliable access to the internet.
- Patients should be able to choose in-person visits or telehealth. In-person care should not be required before receiving telehealth services.
- Geographic restrictions – such as policies only covering patients in rural areas – limit patient access, especially to specialists, and should be removed.
- State licensure requirements should support delivery of telehealth to patients for continuity of care and for improved access.
Federal Engagement
National Headache Support Campaign: TeleHealth Access for America
Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) is a public education campaign supported by leaders in health care committed to better care, expanded patient choice, and protecting access to critical telehealth services.
Preserving Telehealth, Hospital and Ambulance Access Act (H.R.8261).
This legislation aims to extend COVID-19 Medicare flexibilities through 2026, including telehealth services and hospital-at-home services through 2029. It would also extend add-on payments for urban or rural areas to preserve access to ambulance services, sustain rural or low-income hospitals, and continue the use of audio-only, home-based, and expanded provider coverage.
CONNECT For Health Act: H.R.4206 / S.1261
The CONNECT for Health Act would permanently permit the telehealth flexibilities that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic for Medicare patients, helping patients maintain continuity of care regardless of location or provider shortages.
Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R.7623, S.3967).
This bill will ensure permanent access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries and extend these flexibilities to federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. By increasing telehealth access and providing certainty about its future, more patients, particularly seniors and those in rural areas, will be able to access timely, high-quality care. In the Senate, action on telehealth was strongly anticipated at some point in the Senate Finance Committee before the Dec. 31, 2024, expiration date.
State Engagement
TeleHealth Resource Center/State Policies Chart
Center for Connected Health Policy
- The Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to maximize telehealth’s ability to improve health outcomes, care delivery, and cost effectiveness.