AHA highlights actions needed to extend telehealth flexibilities

AHA today identified legislative and regulatory actions needed to maintain or extend telehealth flexibilities implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The actions address provider/patient location; providers and facilities eligible to deliver telehealth services; types of services; billing, payment and coverage for telehealth services; and telehealth technologies.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in March announced Medicare waivers and policy changes to broaden access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 public health emergency, and guidance for states on Medicaid policy options to reimburse providers for telehealth services. It then expanded the Medicare flexibilities in May.  

AHA last year supported legislation to expand access to telehealth services in Medicare, and has urged the Department of Health and Human Services and Federal Communications Commission to consider additional actions to expand access to telehealth during the emergency.