[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TELEHEALTH INCREASES ACCESS TO CARE FOR MONTANANS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Montana (Mr. Gianforte) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, many Montanans live in frontier and rural 
areas where access to doctors and specialists is a big challenge. They 
don't worry about when they can see a doctor; they worry if there is 
even a doctor to see.
  For Montana seniors with mobility issues, getting out to see a doctor 
can be difficult and can delay their care leading to worse health 
outcomes.
  Montana, unfortunately, also has the highest suicide rate in the 
Nation. Thousands of Montanans lack adequate access to mental 
healthcare.
  Telehealth can fix these problems. Telehealth increases access to 
care, brings down healthcare costs, and, in some cases, saves lives.
  Unfortunately, Federal telehealth programs have been poorly managed. 
Currently, 10 different Federal agencies operate telehealth programs 
with little or no coordination between them.
  That is why Chairwoman Eshoo and I have worked for months on ways to 
improve and increase telehealth services. I appreciate her leadership 
on this important issue.
  Today, we introduce the National Telehealth Strategy and Data 
Advancement Act. Our bill reauthorizes telehealth grant programs, 
provides greater oversight of Federal agencies, and helps implement 
telehealth programs across the country.
  Using modern technology to make healthcare more accessible is a 
commonsense solution. It will particularly help us with our rural 
doctor shortage in Montana.
  This bill will ensure that patients can have access to doctors and 
specialists in a way that is convenient for them.
  I look forward to working on this bipartisan bill. It is a critical 
step as we ensure all Americans, particularly those in our rural and 
frontier areas, have access to better, affordable healthcare.

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