WASHINGTON – Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Executive Vice President of External Affairs Sean Robbins issued the following statement today after the House passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022.

“We’re pleased Congress is extending the pandemic-related telehealth policies, which provide enhanced maternal telehealth resource grants and an extension of telehealth including mental health, for five months after the public health emergency ends. This will provide Americans with consistency while Congress considers which policies are needed long-term to expand access to care, support flexibility in coverage and enhance consumer privacy and trust. Furthermore, a study on what worked, didn’t work and how services were utilized during the pandemic is critical as we continue to build a high-quality health care system that is equitable, affordable and accessible.”