Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and State Rep. Charlie Baum, R-Murfreesboro, Thursday, Sept. 23 met with local medical leaders in Murfreesboro for an important discussion, focused on health care and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in Tennessee.

Much of their conversation centered around the General Assembly's recent work to increase access to safe, high-quality and affordable care as an alternative option to in-person visits during the pandemic.

"My priority has always been to find ways to increase access to care, improve the quality of care being provided, and finding new ways for the delivery of services at lower costs to patients," Rep. Baum said. "It was important for me to meet with Speaker Sexton and health care industry leaders because this is the top issue facing our community and Rutherford County."

As part of the recently concluded special session of the Tennessee General Assembly, Baum was instrumental in the passage of historic telehealth legislation that puts patients first by providing them with the option to receive medically necessary care at home through telemedicine. Under this law, insurance providers are also required to cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits.

"Rep. Baum has fought for conservative health solutions that increase access, improve quality and promote affordability for patients throughout the 111th General Assembly," said Speaker Sexton. "He is an effective representative, and I am grateful to Rep. Baum for his service to the citizens of District 37 and to our state. We need him back in Nashville, so we can continue to focus on and prioritize the needs of all Tennessee patients."

A free market economist, Baum is leading efforts to ease restrictions and remove barriers that prevent providers from entering health care markets. This potential solution will create more affordable options for all Tennesseans. Additionally, Baum is working on a proposal for the 2021 legislative session that addresses surprise medical billing for out-of-network care.

The 112th Tennessee General Assembly officially begins on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021.