OKC Standard

United States Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) have introduced the Ensuring Access to Specialty Care Everywhere (EASE) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to improve access to specialty care for patients in rural and underserved areas covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). A related bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR).

Senator Mullin remarked on the challenges faced by rural communities due to clinician shortages, aging populations, and transportation difficulties, stating, “Rural communities are disproportionately impacted by clinician shortages, an aging population, and transportation hurdles, which decrease individuals’ access to specialty care.” He added that telehealth could address these issues and improve access to necessary healthcare services.

Senator Padilla highlighted the barriers in rural areas to accessing healthcare, including long wait times and significant travel distances. He emphasized, “Everyone deserves access to quality, efficient health care. However, people in rural communities often face unacceptable barriers to care, including unsustainably high wait times and impossibly long drives to connect with specialists.” Padilla noted that the EASE Act would expand telehealth capabilities to allow for earlier and more efficient care.

Senator Tillis also supported the benefits of telehealth, noting, "Telehealth has become an invaluable tool in increasing access to quality care for all Americans.” He stated that the legislation aims to address ongoing challenges for rural communities by leveraging technology to create a virtual specialty network.

The National Rural Health Association and other health organizations such as America’s Health Centers and OCHIN support the EASE Act. Alan Morgan from the National Rural Health Association praised the Act, stating, "A shortage of health care providers in rural areas means that patients can often have long wait times and challenges accessing needed specialty care."

Jennifer Stoll from OCHIN commended Senators Mullin and Padilla for their work on the Act, declaring, “The EASE Act is an innovative and cost-effective way to provide reliable and integrated access to specialists."

More information about the legislation is available in the Washington Examiner.

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