By extending the Federal public health emergency declaration January 7, enhanced telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries will remain in effect until at least April 2021. As state legislatures begin their sessions, there are several high-profile initiatives to address private payer and Medicaid telehealth issues, including licensing, scope of practice, and establishing a doctor-patient relationship. Notably, at least a half-dozen states are considering coverage and reimbursement of audio-only encounters.
The Center for Connected Health Policy tracks these proposals. If you’d like to learn more about the activity in your state and co-sign a letter to legislators with the AACU State Advocacy Network, please contact Ross Weber.
- AZ: Opinion: Arizona Poised to Become First in Telehealth Reform
- CA: Lawmaker Eyes Permanent Telehealth Coverage for Medicaid
- FL: Legislation proposes coverage of audio-only telehelth
- IN: Lawmakers push to expand telehealth after pandemic
- MA: New Massachusetts Telehealth Law Signed
- MD: Telehealth a priority for key regulatory body
- NJ: Senate Committee Clears Bill Requiring Expanded Coverage Under Telemedicine and Telehealth Law
- NY: Gov. proposes sweeping telehealth reforms
- OR: State, Payers Negotiate Telehealth Coverage, Including Payment Parity, Into 2021
- SD: Governor introduces legislation to make healthcare changes permanent
- VT: Workgroup Outlines Long-Term Coverage for Audio-Only Telehealth