Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024

12/19/2024, 9:06 AM

Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024

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

Specifically, the bill permanently extends 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) all types of practitioners to furnish telehealth services, as determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024, also known as Bill 118 hr 7623, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to update and modernize the regulations surrounding telehealth services in order to improve access to healthcare for all Americans.

One key aspect of the Telehealth Modernization Act is the expansion of telehealth services to include a wider range of healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. This would allow more Americans to receive care remotely, especially those in rural or underserved areas.

Additionally, the bill aims to increase access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries by removing certain restrictions and expanding coverage for virtual visits. This would make it easier for older Americans to receive care from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need for in-person visits and potentially lowering healthcare costs. Furthermore, the Telehealth Modernization Act includes provisions to improve the quality of telehealth services by establishing standards for telehealth technology and ensuring that providers are properly trained in delivering care remotely. This would help to ensure that patients receive high-quality care regardless of whether they are seeing a provider in person or virtually. Overall, the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 seeks to modernize and expand telehealth services in order to improve access to healthcare for all Americans. By updating regulations and expanding coverage, this bill has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered in the United States.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 7623

Introduced on
2024-03-12

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/12/2024

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024

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

Specifically, the bill permanently extends 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) all types of practitioners to furnish telehealth services, as determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024, also known as Bill 118 hr 7623, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to update and modernize the regulations surrounding telehealth services in order to improve access to healthcare for all Americans.

One key aspect of the Telehealth Modernization Act is the expansion of telehealth services to include a wider range of healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. This would allow more Americans to receive care remotely, especially those in rural or underserved areas.

Additionally, the bill aims to increase access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries by removing certain restrictions and expanding coverage for virtual visits. This would make it easier for older Americans to receive care from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need for in-person visits and potentially lowering healthcare costs. Furthermore, the Telehealth Modernization Act includes provisions to improve the quality of telehealth services by establishing standards for telehealth technology and ensuring that providers are properly trained in delivering care remotely. This would help to ensure that patients receive high-quality care regardless of whether they are seeing a provider in person or virtually. Overall, the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 seeks to modernize and expand telehealth services in order to improve access to healthcare for all Americans. By updating regulations and expanding coverage, this bill has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program.

Policy Areas
Health

Potential Impact
Digestive and metabolic diseases
Health care coverage and access
Health technology, devices, supplies
Home and outpatient care
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Medicare
Telephone and wireless communication

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary7/12/2024

Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024

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

Specifically, the bill permanently extends certain flexibilities that were init...


Latest Action12/17/2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.