Improving Rural Health and Telehealth Access

What it means

This order aims to improve healthcare in rural America by expanding telehealth access and developing new payment models for rural providers. It directs HHS to extend telehealth services that were temporarily allowed during COVID-19 and requires the development of strategies to improve rural health infrastructure.

Expected impact

• Improved healthcare access for 57 million rural Americans who face unique challenges like transportation limitations and healthcare worker shortages
• Financial stability for rural hospitals, which have faced high closure rates (129 closures since 2010)
• Continued expansion of telehealth services beyond the pandemic, helping patients connect with providers remotely
• New Medicare payment models that give rural providers more flexibility and financial predictability
• Potential reduction in rural-urban health disparities, including mortality rates from preventable conditions