Senate Finance Committee passes chronic care bill

The Senate Finance Committee today voted unanimously to approve the CHRONIC Care Act (S. 870), legislation to improve care management, coordination and outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions. Among other provisions, the bill would extend the Independence at Home demonstration; provide certain flexibilities for Medicare Advantage plans; give MA plans and certain accountable care organizations greater flexibility to offer additional telehealth services; and expand access to telehealth for home dialysis and stroke assessments. The bill would not reimburse hospitals where the patient is present a separate, originating site fee. In comments submitted to the committee last year, AHA voiced support for a number of the bill’s provisions, but continues to advocate for more comprehensive Medicare coverage and payment policies for telehealth services, especially for hospitals that serve vulnerable rural and urban communities.