Connecting Rural Telehealth to the Future Act

Connecting Rural Telehealth to the Future Act

This bill modifies requirements relating to coverage of telehealth services under Medicare.

Specifically, the bill extends through 2024 certain flexibilities that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19. Among other things, the bill allows (1) rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner), (2) the home of a beneficiary to serve as the originating site (i.e., the location of the beneficiary) for all services (rather than for only certain services), and (3) other types of practitioners to furnish telehealth services.

Bill 117 HR 7876, also known as the Connecting Rural Telehealth to the Future Act, aims to improve access to telehealth services in rural areas of the United States. The bill recognizes the importance of telehealth in providing healthcare services to individuals in remote and underserved communities.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to support the expansion of telehealth services in rural areas. This program will provide funding to healthcare providers and facilities to invest in telehealth technology and infrastructure, such as high-speed internet connections and telemedicine equipment.

Additionally, the bill seeks to address barriers to telehealth adoption in rural areas by promoting the use of telehealth services among healthcare providers and patients. This includes providing training and education on telehealth best practices and ensuring that telehealth services are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person visits. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve data collection and analysis related to telehealth services in rural areas. This will help policymakers and healthcare providers better understand the impact of telehealth on patient outcomes and healthcare costs, and inform future efforts to expand telehealth services in rural communities. Overall, the Connecting Rural Telehealth to the Future Act aims to bridge the digital divide in healthcare access and improve the quality of care for individuals living in rural areas. By investing in telehealth technology and infrastructure, promoting telehealth adoption, and improving data collection, this bill seeks to ensure that all Americans have access to the healthcare services they need, regardless of where they live.