New expiration datePandemic changed perceptionsOther insurers influencedDisabled patients helpedChronic conditions managed better
A bill thatthe president signed Saturday tofund the federal governmentthrough Sept. 30 will also extend Medicare coverage of telehealth from home.
The extended coverage, which began in March 2020 to keep older adults from beingexposed to COVID-19in doctors waiting rooms, has been a boon for those who have difficulty getting to an office to see a physician, including older adults living in rural areas or with mobility problems.Caregivers strapped for timeto transport their loved ones also have benefited.
Its probably the only good thing that came out of COVID, frankly, in terms of improving access because its been such a resounding success, Nicholas Widmyer, director of federal affairs for the National Association of Community Health Centers based in Bethesda, Maryland, said in February.
If it were to kind of lapse, that would be a step backwards for a lot of our patients ability to access primary care.
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The actions a 217-213 House vote March 11, March 14s 54-46 Senate vote and President Donald Trumps signature the next day continue the telehealth coverage for six months and delay a partial government shutdown until the end of the federal fiscal year.The continuing resolutiongenerally keeps funding for most areas of government at levels set before Trump took office.
Pandemic changed perceptions of telemedicine
In the early part of the pandemic, nearly half of Medicare beneficiaries had at least one virtual medical visit between April and June 2020.
Participation continues to be much higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The original waiver was temporary, ending when the public health emergency was declared over on May 11, 2023.
Congress subsequently folded extensions into various spending bills, including thebill passed Dec. 20and signed into law the next day that averted a government shutdown until March 14.
Bipartisan legislation to make the Medicare telehealth waiver permanent was introduced Feb. 18 in the House, but its details have not yet been filed.
