Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act of 2021
3/8/2023, 8:11 PMSummary of Bill HR 4040
Bill 117 HR 4040, also known as the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021, aims to expand access to telehealth services beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill seeks to make permanent many of the temporary telehealth flexibilities that were put in place during the public health emergency.One key provision of the bill is the removal of geographic restrictions on telehealth services, allowing patients to receive care from their homes regardless of where they are located. This would increase access to care for individuals in rural and underserved areas who may have limited access to healthcare facilities.
Additionally, the bill would allow healthcare providers to continue using telehealth for a wide range of services, including mental health counseling, chronic disease management, and preventive care. This would help to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by allowing patients to receive care in a more convenient and timely manner. The Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021 also includes provisions to ensure that telehealth services are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person services, promoting equity in healthcare delivery. The bill also includes measures to protect patient privacy and ensure the quality of care provided through telehealth. Overall, this legislation aims to build on the successes of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and make telehealth a permanent and integral part of the healthcare system in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 4040
Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2022
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, 2024, 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, 2025, or the first day after the end of the emergency period, whichever is later.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 4040
Bill HR 4040 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 22, 2021. Bill HR 4040 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 22, 2021. Bill HR 4040's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of July 28, 2022Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4040
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
18Democrat Cosponsors
16Republican Cosponsors
2Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4040
Primary Policy Focus
HealthPotential Impact Areas
Drug, alcohol, tobacco useFraud offenses and financial crimesHealth care coverage and accessHealth facilities and institutionsHealth personnelHealth technology, devices, suppliesInternet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaMedicareMental healthRural conditions and developmentSound recordingAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4040
Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act of 2021Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act of 2022To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act of 2021Comments
Most relevant
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 4040
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