Heads Up, March 31st Deadline Looms for Telehealth Coverage Extensions

The clock is ticking for Medicare beneficiaries who have come to rely on expanded telehealth services. A crucial deadline is fast approaching: March 31st, 2024. This is the date when certain pandemic-era flexibilities that expanded access to telehealth are set to expire, unless Congress acts to extend them.

For many, telehealth has been a game-changer, providing convenient access to healthcare from the comfort of their homes. This has been especially beneficial for seniors with mobility issues, those living in rural areas, and individuals with chronic conditions. However, the temporary expansions that made this possible are nearing their end.

What's at Stake?

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented temporary rules to expand telehealth access. These included:

• Expanded Geographic Coverage: Allowing beneficiaries in rural and urban areas to receive telehealth services from their homes.
• Expanded Provider Types: Enabling a wider range of healthcare professionals to provide telehealth services.
• Audio-Only Telehealth: Permitting coverage for audio-only telehealth visits, which is crucial for those without reliable internet access or video-capable devices.

These flexibilities were extended through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, but those extensions are set to run out on March 31st, 2024.

Why the Deadline Matters:

If Congress doesn't act to extend these provisions, Medicare beneficiaries could face:

• Reduced Access to Care: Especially for those in rural areas or with limited mobility.
• Loss of Audio-Only Options: Leaving those without reliable internet or video capabilities without access to care.
• Increased Difficulty in Managing Chronic Conditions: Potentially leading to higher healthcare costs and worse health outcomes.

What's Being Done?

There are ongoing discussions in Congress about extending these telehealth flexibilities. Several lawmakers and healthcare advocacy groups are pushing for permanent or longer-term solutions to ensure continued access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries.

It is important to follow the news to see if congress acts upon this issue.

What You Can Do:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from CMS and your elected officials.
• Contact Your Representatives: Let your representatives in Congress know how important telehealth access is to you.
• Talk to Your Doctor: Discuss your telehealth options and develop a plan in case the flexibilities expire.

The March 31st deadline is a critical moment for Medicare telehealth. By staying informed and advocating for continued access, beneficiaries can help ensure that these valuable services remain available.

Sources:

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
  • Information on telehealth: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/Telehealth
  • Information on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023: Information can be found by searching the government websites for the text of the Act.
• KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation):
  • Information related to medicare and telehealth: https://www.kff.org/
• American Medical Association (AMA):
  • Information related to telehealth policies: https://www.ama-assn.org/

Disclaimer:¹ This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider or legal professional for personalized guidance.