Greater Access to Telehealth Act

Hozzl · 2022-12-29T18:18:45Z

Explore the details of House Bill 8489 Greater Access to Telehealth Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/29/2022, 6:18 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8489

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 8489

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.

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Current Status of Bill HR 8489

Bill HR 8489 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 26, 2022. Bill HR 8489 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 26, 2022. Bill HR 8489's most recent activity was 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 committee concerned. as of July 26, 2022