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A coalition of 35 diverse organizations has come together with a common goal: to modernize healthcare and empower patients. To achieve this goal, The Coalition to Protect Telehealth—which includes Illinois healthcare providers, professionals and patient advocates—is united behind patient-centered virtual care that’s high-quality, accessible and safe.

The pandemic brought the coalition together, as it brought the need for telehealth to the forefront. Coalition members include:

• AARP Illinois;
• American Academy of Pediatrics, Illinois Chapter;
• American Nurses Association, Illinois;
• Community Behavioral Healthcare Association;
• Heartland Alliance;
• Illinois Association for Behavioral Health;
• Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network;
• Illinois Primary Health Care Association;
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society; and
• The Kennedy Forum.

The Coalition to Protect Telehealth strongly supports House Bill 3498, which was introduced by State Rep. Deb Conroy and has 46 bipartisan co-sponsors. This bill advances health equity by allowing patients to be treated via telehealth in their home, prohibiting geographic or facility restrictions on telehealth services, and reimbursing telehealth services at the same rate as in-person care.

Learn how permanent telehealth coverage will continue to provide Illinoisans’ access to quality, appropriate care. Visit https://protectillinoistelehealth.org/ for a complete listing of coalition members.