October 19, 2021

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Dear Senators:

On behalf of CEO Action for Racial Equity (CEOARE), we are writing to offer our strong support for the Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2021 and applaud your leadership on this critical issue. CEOARE is a Fellowship of over 100 companies that mobilizes a community of business leaders with diverse expertise across multiple industries and geographies to advance public policy in four key areas for the Black community — healthcare, education, economic empowerment and public safety.

Last Congress’s Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 made a step forward in providing care to underserved populations as it removed Medicare restrictions on mental health services delivered virtually but we urge Congress to do more to remove barriers that impede meaningful access.  We believe the inclusion of the in-person requirement every six months presents significant barriers to care for those within vulnerable and underserved communities. This in-person requirement puts undue burden on vulnerable communities as they struggle with the ability to access proper treatment.

We commend you for removing this statutory requirement that Medicare beneficiaries must be seen in person within six months of being treated for mental health services through telehealth. Additionally, the Telemental Health Care Access Act also addresses concerns about fraud and abuse in telehealth by requiring that HHS submit a report on utilization of these services and make any needed recommendations.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the mental health crisis in our country — according to the National Institute on Minority Health and Disparities, only 10% of Americans who have a mental health disorder actually receive effective treatment, and the numbers are worse for Black Americans. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, among adults with mental illness, 48% of white Americans received mental health services, compared to 31% of Black Americans. We believe that the Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2021 supports access to quality care for vulnerable populations and communities most in need.

It is essential that we provide all avenues of access possible so that those in need can access treatment. Therefore, we encourage Congress to pass the Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2021 and increase access to mental health services for Black Americans.

Sincerely,

CEO Action for Racial Equity

The mission of CEO Action for Racial Equity is to identify, develop and promote scalable and sustainable public policies and corporate engagement strategies that will address systemic racism, social injustice and improve societal well-being.