House lawmakers took a major first step Wednesday toward extending temporary telehealth rules put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic for two years. Without action, they will expire at year’s end.
The House Ways and Means Committee approved the Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act 31-0, indicating potential for passage by the full House this year.
Despite the overwhelming support, lawmakers from each party voiced concerns about possible cost escalations and fraudulent billings, especially for hospice services.
“I will not oppose this bill, but I do oppose its failure to address waste, fraud and abuse,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) during the markup hearing. He added that he would have preferred that the legislation give the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services greater authority and more enforcement options.
According to an analysis by LeadingAge, the bill contains several provisions relevant to senior living providers. They include:
- Permitting Medicare patients to continue receiving telehealth services in their homes.
- No geographic restrictions for originating site for telehealth services — without the extension, pre-COVID restrictions on originating sites would return, severely limiting where telehealth can be utilized.
- Allowing the use of using audio-only communication platforms.
- Flexibility around the in-person visit for mental health services: The legislation continues the policy that no in-person visit is required to initiate mental and behavioral health services via telehealth.
“This legislation is a realistic response to both providers’ and consumers’ needs. Telehealth is the new normal approach for delivering so much of care today,” said LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan.
“This bill, if enacted, would bring efficiency and greater access for older adults in need of care and supports,” she added.
