In an effort to expand service and supports to those who are most in need, maintaining telehealth-audio and telehealth-audio/visual (A/V) for services and support would be a benefit for public health.   Limiting telehealth to A/V only excludes Virginia’s most vulnerable population who do not have access to the technology and reliable Internet service available to take advantage of this.   Including telehealth-audio for services when telehealth-A/V is not available will help increase equitable access to services.  Limiting telehealth flexibilities to only A/V and only specific providers of/for specific services, impacts equitable access to any and all services and supports for individuals that are likely already limited due to more than only geographical and/or economical constraints.

The benefit of telehealth delivery (both audio and A/V) for services and support during the pandemic increased providers’ ability to serve clients in need.  Individuals utilizing Service Facilitation services through the telehealth delivery model (both audio and A/V) were able to find support and needed daily care during the height of the pandemic.  Moms In Motion (Moms), specifically, quickly developed the infrastructure necessary to become a telehealth provider (both audio and A/V) in order to facilitate long term services and support for those individuals that were displaced from facilities when the pandemic began to wreak havoc.  As providers, we have maintained preparedness throughout the pandemic providing service and support to all members who continue to struggle with isolation, fear, and uncertainty.  Continuing the benefit of the telehealth delivery model (both audio and A/V) complies with the persistent social distance protocols and limits hurdles to services and support.  Telehealth (both A/V and audio) for services has been an asset that many were able to effectively use and lessen the impact or loss of services and supports during the pandemic.  Continuing to allow all service providers, inclusive of Service Facilitation providers, to maintain telehealth delivery (both audio and A/V) is an added benefit to all Virginians being served.

Chronic challenges (transport, economical, employment, etc) have impacted certain disadvantaged populations to receive regular and ongoing services and support.  Telehealth, both A/V and audio-only, is an opportunity to be able to provide effective & on-going access to families/communities facing these challenges.  Not all individuals/families have the means or access to devices that enable A/V connections, and phones available through public assistance programs have limitations. Rural areas specifically do not have access to reliable internet regardless of income. The ability for all individuals and families to obtain necessary services and support during this on-going crisis and beyond would expand access to those most in need in our communities.  Supporting the continuation of the telehealth delivery model, both audio and A/V, would increase member support and well-being as providers expand their reach to bring those services and supports to the member in the least restrictive manner. By continuing to include all providers for all services in the telehealth delivery model (both audio and A/V), more members and Virginians will be served and supported despite any obstacles.