[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Early in the pandemic, greater risks of COVID-19 for older adults forced people 50+ across Illinois to stay home—away from family, friends and even the necessary care of healthcare professionals for other medical issues. Thankfully, Governor Pritzker lifted longstanding barriers to healthcare via telehealth. In response, healthcare providers rapidly invested in new technology, adjusted clinical workflows and educated staff, patients and clinicians on telehealth delivery – resulting in dramatic increases in the use of telehealth services.

It was a much-needed option for older adults in Illinois, who suddenly did not have to worry about finding rides to a clinic, being exposed to COVID-19 or difficult scheduling issues.

Telehealth has helped reduce missed appointments, increase care plan adherence, and improve chronic disease management.

Telehealth has also helped empower patients to address care needs swiftly, preventing conditions from worsening and requiring unnecessary visits to urgent care or a hospital. To ensure that accessible, safe and reliable telehealth continues to be a choice after the pandemic, we urge the General Assembly to pass House Bill 3308/SCA 1.

Over the last year and a half, we’ve all seen first-hand the many benefits of telehealth. Protecting access to telehealth can help improve healthcare for all Illinois patients. The Coalition to Protect Telehealth urges the General Assembly to pass House Bill 3308/SCA 1. Learn more at https://protectillinoistelehealth.org/.