After failing to make it through Congress in the last year, The Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act is being re-introduced. The lawmakers should see enough value in telehealth for making it a priority this year. The new administration has taken on in Washington and some lawmakers are trying to re-emphasize the passing of long-term telehealth legislation.
Policy changes facilitating access to virtual care should remain permanent
Telehealth regulations have been relaxed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, triggering interest and support for virtual care owing to its benefits like convenience and safety.
Another less spoken advantage of telemedicine is the availability of specialists for patients especially suffering from chronic diseases like cancer.
Congress members aim to address the telehealth’s digital divide
Even though COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the potential of telemedicine to expand access to care, it also highlighted existing disparities in the system, noted the Congress members, Access to broadband is an issue, as pointed out by many telehealth advocates.
New bill aims to improve Medicaid, CHIP telehealth coverage for children
The Telehealth Improvement for Kids’ Essential Services, or TIKES, Act of 2020 requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to states about ways to increase access to telehealth solutions under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
CMS proposes vital changes to Remote Patient Monitoring coverage
The federal government has clarified the way it regulates remote patient monitoring and the changes could significantly impact and potentially restrict the usage of telehealth and mHealth by care providers while they take care of patients at home.