Greater Access to Telehealth Act

12/29/2022, 6:18 PM

Greater Access to Telehealth Act

This bill modifies the extension of certain Medicare telehealth flexibilities after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Specifically, the bill provides that certain flexibilities continue to apply until December 31, 2026, if the emergency period ends before that date. The bill allows

  • beneficiaries to continue to receive telehealth services at any site, regardless of type or location (e.g., the beneficiary's home);
  • occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists to continue to furnish telehealth services;
  • federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to continue to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner);
  • evaluation and management and behavioral health services to continue to be provided via audio-only technology; and
  • hospice physicians and nurse practitioners to continue to complete certain requirements relating to patient recertifications via telehealth.

The bill also delays implementation of certain in-person evaluation requirements for mental health telehealth services until January 1, 2027, or the first day after the end of the emergency period, whichever is later.

Bill 117 HR 8489, also known as the Greater Access to Telehealth Act, aims to expand access to telehealth services for individuals across the United States. The bill seeks to increase the availability of telehealth services by removing barriers that currently limit access to these services.

One key provision of the bill is the expansion of Medicare coverage for telehealth services, allowing more individuals to receive care remotely. This includes services such as virtual doctor visits, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and mental health counseling.

Additionally, the bill aims to increase access to telehealth services in rural and underserved areas by providing funding for the development of telehealth infrastructure and technology. This will help ensure that individuals in these areas have access to the care they need, regardless of their location. Overall, the Greater Access to Telehealth Act is designed to improve access to healthcare services for individuals across the country, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. By expanding coverage and funding for telehealth services, the bill aims to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for all Americans.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 8489

Introduced on
2022-07-26

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

7/26/2022

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Greater Access to Telehealth Act

This bill modifies the extension of certain Medicare telehealth flexibilities after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Specifically, the bill provides that certain flexibilities continue to apply until December 31, 2026, if the emergency period ends before that date. The bill allows

  • beneficiaries to continue to receive telehealth services at any site, regardless of type or location (e.g., the beneficiary's home);
  • occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists to continue to furnish telehealth services;
  • federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to continue to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner);
  • evaluation and management and behavioral health services to continue to be provided via audio-only technology; and
  • hospice physicians and nurse practitioners to continue to complete certain requirements relating to patient recertifications via telehealth.

The bill also delays implementation of certain in-person evaluation requirements for mental health telehealth services until January 1, 2027, or the first day after the end of the emergency period, whichever is later.

Bill 117 HR 8489, also known as the Greater Access to Telehealth Act, aims to expand access to telehealth services for individuals across the United States. The bill seeks to increase the availability of telehealth services by removing barriers that currently limit access to these services.

One key provision of the bill is the expansion of Medicare coverage for telehealth services, allowing more individuals to receive care remotely. This includes services such as virtual doctor visits, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and mental health counseling.

Additionally, the bill aims to increase access to telehealth services in rural and underserved areas by providing funding for the development of telehealth infrastructure and technology. This will help ensure that individuals in these areas have access to the care they need, regardless of their location. Overall, the Greater Access to Telehealth Act is designed to improve access to healthcare services for individuals across the country, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. By expanding coverage and funding for telehealth services, the bill aims to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for all Americans.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend certain telehealth services and requirements, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Health

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary8/17/2022

Greater Access to Telehealth Act

This bill modifies the extension of certain Medicare telehealth flexibilities after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Specifically, the bill provides that certain flexibilities cont...


Latest Action7/26/2022
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the ...