Lawmakers in Congress are facing a deadline to decide the future of telehealth payment policies, which have become increasingly important during the Covid-19 pandemic. Representative Brad Wenstrup and other house members highlighted the benefits of telehealth services during a hearing in March, emphasizing the importance of allowing patients to receive care in their own homes. Most of the proposed changes focus on how Medicare covers telehealth services, but these rules could also impact patients with private insurance plans.
The use of telehealth services has surged in recent years, with major companies like Amazon and Walmart now offering telehealth options to customers. This has become a popular issue for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as telehealth has proven to be a convenient and efficient way for patients to receive medical care. A survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau found that Medicare and Medicaid enrollees reported using telehealth visits the most, with Black patients and those earning less than $25,000 also reporting high rates of telehealth use.
Debbie Curtis, a vice president of McDermott + Consulting, emphasized the importance of ensuring access to telehealth services, calling it the best public policy, business outcome, and patient outcome. Lawmakers have been urged to work with the Biden administration to ensure payments for Medicare patients using telehealth continue, especially in rural and underserved communities. Maya Sandalow from the Bipartisan Policy Center suggested that a temporary extension of payments for telehealth services may be more likely than permanent changes, as research is still ongoing regarding the impact of telehealth beyond the pandemic.
In North Dakota, Dr. David Newman of Sanford Health highlighted the importance of virtual care for patients in rural areas, where weather conditions can make it difficult to access specialty care. Dr. Newman noted that telehealth technology has allowed him to see a full clinic of patients, even during harsh winter conditions when roads are impassable. It is clear that telehealth services have become essential for providing care to patients in remote areas, and lawmakers are working to ensure continued access to these services.
The future of telehealth services and payment policies is currently under review by federal lawmakers, who must make decisions by the end of the year. The potential changes could impact how Medicare covers telehealth services and would likely have implications for patients with private insurance plans as well. As the popularity of telehealth continues to grow, it is crucial for policymakers to consider the needs of all patients, including those in rural and underserved communities. By extending payments for telehealth services, Congress can ensure that patients across the country have access to the care they need, regardless of their location.
