WASHINGTON, DC – Today. Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) released the following statement after introducing the Advanced Safe Testing at Residence Telehealth Act of 2021 (A-START), legislation to expand access to innovative health care technologies and reduce health care costs.  

“This legislation is an important step in expanding patient and provider access to healthcare innovation to promote high quality, 21st century technology-based care. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how valuable access to health care technology can be, and I am proud to build upon its advancements. The A-START Act would accelerate the enormous achievements recently made in expanding telehealth, diagnostics, screening, wearables, and patient monitoring technology. Patients deserve access to the best information and data that modern technology can provide, to make informed decisions about their health. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to disrupt the cost of healthcare, and transform Americans’ medicine cabinets to promote a healthier society.”

Background:

This legislation would establish Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Veteran Affairs demonstration programs to test the efficacy and full-potential of modern telehealth tools. Under A-START, patients will have access FDA approved technology and devices such as remote patient monitoring, wearables, diagnostics, tests, software as a medical device (SaMD), and more from the comfort of their home.

To read a one-pager on the A-START Act, click HERE. 

To read the full text of the A-START Act, click HERE. 

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