Bipartisan lawmakers present bill to solidify telehealth flexibilities
mHealthIntelligence
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Summary
Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers have introduced the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024, aiming to make permanent various telehealth flexibilities extended to Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation proposes to permanently remove geographic restrictions on telehealth services, allow rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to receive Medicare reimbursement for such services, and include audio-only telehealth coverage within the Medicare program. Additionally, it would permit telehealth use for hospice care and home dialysis assessments when clinically appropriate. The bill responds to the temporary regulatory flexibilities set to expire at the end of 2024, with significant support from healthcare stakeholders and organizations who recognize the benefits of continuing expanded access to telehealth services for improving patient care and the healthcare delivery system.
