Massachusetts Health Association Proposes Telehealth Expansion to U.S. Health Secretary

On July 21, 2025, the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA) submitted a proposal to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., advocating for the expansion of telehealth services and the reduction of regulatory burdens. This initiative responds to Secretary Kennedy's request for deregulatory suggestions from healthcare organizations.

The MHA's proposal emphasizes the need to standardize prior authorization processes across health plans, revive certain home health programs that have expired, and broaden access to telehealth services. The association highlights that, despite the surge in telehealth usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, significant barriers remain, particularly for the elderly and within overwhelmed hospital systems. The MHA underscores the importance of hospital-at-home services to address the needs of Massachusetts' aging population.

Adam Delmolino, who authored the MHA letter, stated that telehealth and hospital-at-home services "are solutions that patients and providers continue to rely upon every day, especially given Massachusetts' aging population and the enormous capacity constraints being felt across hospitals statewide."

While Secretary Kennedy has previously expressed support for telehealth to enhance rural healthcare access, the MHA's push to reinstate lapsed programs may encounter challenges due to a broader federal focus on reducing regulatory complexities and healthcare expenditures.

The MHA's proposal reflects a broader societal shift towards integrating telehealth into standard healthcare practices. The expansion of telehealth services has the potential to improve access to care, especially for rural and underserved populations. However, challenges such as digital literacy, access to technology, and regulatory hurdles persist. The proposal also highlights the importance of home-based care models, which can provide patient-centered care and alleviate pressures on hospital systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a significant increase in telehealth usage, leading to temporary regulatory relaxations to facilitate remote care. As these temporary measures expire, there is an ongoing debate about which flexibilities should be made permanent to sustain the benefits observed during the pandemic.

The MHA's proposal to Secretary Kennedy underscores the ongoing evolution of healthcare delivery in the United States. As telehealth and home-based care models gain prominence, stakeholders must address regulatory, technological, and societal challenges to fully realize their potential in improving patient outcomes and system efficiency.