James Maitland is an expert in robotics and IoT applications in healthcare and is here to share insights on recent legislative changes affecting telehealth services.
What does the recent stopgap legislation entail for Medicare telehealth services?
The recent stopgap legislation extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through the end of September. This prevents the lapse of telehealth services for Medicare patients, allowing visits to occur from more varied locations, including patients’ homes. It also expands the types of providers who can deliver virtual care.
How significant is the six-month extension for telehealth services during the FY2025 Continuing Resolution?
The six-month extension is critical but has raised concerns among healthcare organizations due to its short duration. This brevity presents planning challenges and creates uncertainty for the long-term viability of telehealth services.
What expansion in telehealth services has Congress granted, specifically regarding the location of telehealth visits and the types of providers?
Congress expanded telehealth services to allow visits from broader locations, including the patient’s home, and included additional qualified providers who can deliver virtual care.
How has Congress previously handled extensions for telehealth flexibilities, and why were longer durations preferred?
Previous extensions for telehealth flexibilities typically lasted one year or more, providing greater stability and planning certainty for healthcare providers. Longer durations are preferred because they minimize disruptions in service delivery and inspire confidence in the sustainability of telehealth initiatives.
What concerns does HIMSS have regarding the short-term extension for telehealth services?
HIMSS is concerned that short-term extensions do not provide enough assurance for long-term planning and investment in telehealth. They believe a sustainable and permanent solution is necessary to ensure continuous access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.
Which telehealth programs were excluded or have expired, according to ATA?
According to ATA, three specific programs were excluded: First-dollar coverage of High Deductible Health Plans-HSAs, telehealth benefits for part-time or contracted employees, and in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.
How has the expiration of the First-dollar coverage of High Deductible Health Plans-HSAs program affected Americans?
The expiration has forced around 32 million Americans to pay out-of-pocket for telehealth services, which is often unaffordable. Part-time or contracted employees have lost their telehealth benefits, and the exclusion of in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services affects hundreds of thousands of patients.
Has the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services updated its telehealth policy page to reflect the new legislative changes?
As of now, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has not updated its telehealth policy page to reflect the new legislative changes.
What is the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program, and how does its extension affect Medicare-certified hospitals?
The Acute Hospital Care at Home Program allows Medicare-certified hospitals to deliver inpatient-level care at a patient’s home. Its extension through September ensures that hospitals can continue to offer this alternative care model, which has shown positive outcomes.
What findings were released by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid regarding the financial and health outcomes of telehealth inpatient care?
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid released findings showing that telehealth inpatient care results in lower Medicare spending and lower mortality rates compared to traditional inpatient care.
How has telehealth been particularly vital to Medicare, especially for behavioral health services, and what permanent measures were taken in December 2020?
Telehealth has been crucial for behavioral health services under Medicare, with Congress making remote behavioral health coverage permanent in December 2020. This move ensures ongoing access to essential behavioral health care through telehealth.
Why has Congress struggled to make permanent extensions for other telehealth benefits, and what are the financial implications?
Congress has struggled due to financial concerns, with a permanent extension estimated to cost $25 billion over ten years. A proposed two-year extension was also deemed unlikely due to budgetary constraints.
How did President Trump and Elon Musk reportedly impact the continuing resolution for telehealth authorities last December?
According to reports, President Trump and Elon Musk disrupted a resolution that could have extended telehealth authorities by two years. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the expanded telehealth coverage to cost roughly $663 million over five months.
What comments did Dr. Mehmet Oz make during his Senate confirmation hearing about telehealth?
Dr. Mehmet Oz emphasized that telehealth is a major focus and highlighted that there are no significant opponents, reflecting the administration’s view that telehealth is integral to the healthcare system.
What steps does the ATA believe are necessary to address the issues with telehealth services and ensure that patients receive needed care?
ATA believes it is essential to push for permanent legislative solutions for telehealth and to address the coverage gaps for high-deductible health plans, contracted employees, and in-home cardiopulmonary services to ensure continuous and equitable access to telehealth care for all patients.
What is your forecast for the future of telehealth services?
