AMAC Supports Bill to Extend Telemedicine for Veterans

The Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act addresses an urgent need by preserving life-saving telehealth services and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that restrict access to care.

February 14, 2025

The Honorable Steve Womack
3rd Congressional District of Arkansas
2412 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Womack,

On behalf of AMAC Action, the advocacy affiliate of AMAC – Association of Mature American Citizens
with over 2 million members nationwide, we are pleased to offer our strong support for the Protecting
Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025. This important legislation will permanently extend
telehealth flexibilities that allow Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare professionals to
prescribe medically necessary controlled substances via telemedicine without requiring an in-person
visit.

America’s veterans deserve convenient, timely access to the care they need, especially those living in
rural areas. More than 2.7 million veterans in rural communities face significant barriers to accessing VA
healthcare, with travel distances and clinic shortages often delaying critical care. During the pandemic,
temporary telehealth exemptions helped fill this gap, ensuring veterans could receive essential care and
medication from the safety and comfort of their homes. By making these successful telehealth practices
permanent, your bill will continue to improve healthcare access for veterans and reduce the disparities
faced by those in rural areas.

The Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act addresses an urgent need by preserving
these life-saving telehealth services and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that restrict
access to care. Without this legislative fix, the temporary exemption will expire at the end of 2025, once
again limiting access to necessary medications for veterans who need them most. This would be
especially harmful for older veterans managing chronic conditions that require ongoing care and
prescription treatments.

This bill is a commonsense solution that builds on proven telehealth practices, protects veteran
healthcare, and promotes greater equity in access for rural and underserved populations. Thank you for
your leadership on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Andrew J. Mangione Jr.
Senior Vice President
AMAC Action