PHE Extends Telehealth Services-for Now

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Healthcare Technology

Background:

• The 2020 U.S. Public Health Emergency (PHE) authorized federal payers to cover telehealth services.
• Telehealth, the remote delivery of care via electronic communication, expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The PHE's potential expiration necessitates policy action to sustain telehealth access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the legislative landscape surrounding the continuation of telehealth coverage under federal programs.
• To inform stakeholders about the potential impact of policy changes on virtual care access.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current legislative proposals in the U.S. Congress regarding telehealth.
• Monitoring of government funding bills for potential inclusion of telehealth measures.

Main Results:

• Congressional bills have been introduced to ensure continued coverage for specific telehealth services.
• Telehealth provisions may be incorporated into the fiscal year 2022 federal government funding bill.
• Potential enactment of these measures is anticipated around mid-March.

Conclusions:

• Legislative efforts are underway to secure ongoing federal reimbursement for telehealth services post-PHE.
• The continuation of telehealth coverage is contingent upon the passage of relevant congressional bills.
• Policy decisions in the near future will determine the future accessibility of virtual care for federal beneficiaries.