Here’s What’s Being Done to Increase Access to Telehealth

A computer monitor with stethoscope and heart on it.

Last month, a new piece of bipartisan legislation that would extend certain telehealth services covered by Medicare and evaluate the impact of telehealth services on Medicare beneficiaries, was introduced by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN). “By extending the current telehealth waivers by two years after the end of the COVID-19 PHE…

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CMS Proposes Permanently Covering Audio-Only Telehealth for Mental Health Services

A person holding money in front of a laptop.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released its proposed 2022 Physician Fee Schedule, which includes payment rates for Medicare next year, as well as several other policy proposals that might impact physicians. Among them, CMS wants to make permanent Medicare coverage of audio-only mental health services via telehealth. Many patients until now…

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As Telehealth Waivers Expire, Now What?

A medical mask with the word telehealth on it.

Telehealth waivers issued during the COVID-19 pandemic that loosened government regulations and reimbursement requirements have or will be coming to an end in many states. In Florida, Gov. Ron Desantis’ executive order declaring a public health emergency expired on June 26. Waivers allowed for the use of non-compliant platforms such a FaceTime. The Florida waiver…

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Telehealth Program to Award Another $250M to Providers

A person on a laptop with a doctor in the screen.

Late last month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a report and order to set up a second round of funding to the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. It will provide nearly $250 million to support efforts by healthcare providers to address coronavirus by providing telecommunications services, information services, and devices needed to enable the provision of…

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