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Hospitals and health systems back extension of audio‑only telehealth in DHS budget
Summary
The Minnesota Hospital Association urged the committee to preserve audio‑only telehealth, saying it improves access to behavioral and chronic care for patients with limited broadband and helps reduce acute care visits.
The Minnesota Hospital Association told the Human Services Committee it strongly supports the governor’s proposal to extend access to audio‑only telehealth.
Danny Acker, director of state government relations at the association, said audio‑only telehealth “increases access to equitable care for patients with behavioral health and chronic care conditions and individuals with limited broadband access.” He added that audio‑only services help rural and urban hospitals provide care coordination that can prevent emergency visits and reduce other acute care use.
Acker urged lawmakers to preserve audio‑only telehealth statewide, describing it as a tool that “allows for capacity to remain at sustainable levels that serves patients when they need care.” No committee action was taken during the hearing; the testimony indicated hospitals support the administration’s telehealth extension.
