WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) received the National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies’ (NARA) “Key Legislator Award” for his work to secure telehealth flexibilities for physical, occupational and speech therapy providers.
“Rural residents often pay higher costs and have to travel long distances for medical attention,” Grassley said. “People should have access to quality and affordable care regardless of their zip code. I’m honored to receive this award and will continue my efforts to improve access to telehealth services.”
“NARA is pleased to present Senator Grassley with the Key Legislator award for his support of access to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology services. His support for telehealth continued necessary access to care for Iowans and other beneficiaries across the nation from both institutional and professional setting therapy providers,” said Kelly Cooney, President of the NARA.
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Background:
Congress has extended telehealth flexibilities under Medicare through the end of 2024. With the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unnecessarily phased out certain telehealth provisions for physical, occupational and speech therapy providers providing rehabilitation services in institutional settings. Thanks to Grassley’s oversight and outreach, CMS reversed course: it reinstated telehealth flexibilities for those providers through 2024, as current law. Grassley is working to further expand telehealth access through the CONNECT for Health Act by making certain COVID-era policies permanent.
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