The U.S. House of Representatives passed July 27 the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act to expand telehealth services by extending several telehealth flexibilities under Medicare that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, the bill allows federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the healthcare practitioner); allows beneficiaries to receive telehealth services at any site, regardless of type or location; allows any type of practitioner to furnish telehealth services, subject to approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and allows audio-only evaluation and management, and behavioral health services.
The legislation passed the House in a 416-12 vote. The entire Michigan delegation to the U.S. House voted in favor of the bill. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where it likely has adequate support for passage.
For more information about the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act, contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.