Congress must take actions now to ensure that Medicare patients continue to access telehealth post-pandemic. AMA Trustee Jack Resneck, MD said in a statement for the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee’s health subcommittee that efforts should continue to build capacity.
Congress attempts to ease Telehealth Licensure Restrictions
A bill that would allow healthcare providers to use telehealth to treat any person in any state all through the coronavirus pandemic has been re-introduced by lawmakers. Telehealth has made it easier for Americans to get medical care, without leaving their homes in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic says Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), who re-filed the bill with Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
Private payer market impact post-COVID-19 telehealth coverage
Most of the big health plans brought major changes in coverage to help providers use connected care, according to an analysis of telehealth coverage by private players during the coronavirus pandemic.
CMS aims at permanently expanding telehealth services
The Trump administration chose to add more than 60 telehealth services that will be reimbursable during the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes to telehealth coverage will be permitted permanently in rural areas.
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.