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New bill would codify Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

introduced new legislation this week that would provide for permanent Medicare payments for telehealth services at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. " "Access to telehealth has become more than just a convenience, but rather a critical necessity in America," said Butterfield in a statement.

Medicare 209
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HHS OIG: 2 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth during first pandemic year

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General released a study examining how Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Telehealth was critical for providing services to Medicare beneficiaries during the first year of the pandemic," read the report.

Medicare 138
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Telemedicine, Medicare Advantage and star ratings: What you need to know

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

Over the last few years, Medicare Advantage plans have dramatically increased their deployment of telehealth systems for seniors. While some in the healthcare industry may be skeptical of telehealth’s utilization, particularly within the Medicare population, these plans continue to move full steam ahead.

Medicare 142
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Bipartisan House bill proposes permanent telehealth benefits

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

The Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act would amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers to treat benefits for telehealth services like excepted benefits. In an announcement about the bipartisan bill, Rep.

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ATA applauds 2-year extension of telehealth flexibilities in Congressional Omnibus

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

The American Telemedicine Association this week cheered the bipartisan omnibus appropriations bill from both houses of Congress for including a two-year extension for Medicare telehealth flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 public health emergency was declared in 2020. Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.

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CONNECT for Health Act reintroduced, would expand telehealth access

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

The act would expand coverage of Medicare telehealth services and make some COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities permanent, among other provisions. "The last year has shown us that telehealth works, it’s popular, and it’s here to stay," said Sen. Access for Medicare beneficiaries.

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American Hospital Association, Johns Hopkins and others launch pro-telehealth campaign

Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

A group of 16 provider and industry organizations this past week launched a campaign geared toward protecting and expanding access to telehealth. Telehealth Access for America is aimed at educating members of the public about the need to enact permanent legislation around virtual care services. WHY IT MATTERS.