The extension of telehealth and hospital at home programs beyond the end of the public health emergency are two big wins out of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill signed into law by President Biden on Friday, Healthcare Finance reports.
The legislation expands waivers for both programs that were put in place under the public health emergency.
Telehealth flexibilities are now in effect through the end of 2024. Prior to passage, providers and Congress – which needed to act to block the telehealth cliff – were looking at getting an additional 151 days after the end of the PHE.
According to the American Hospital Association, the omnibus legislation keeps in place PHE waivers, including: Expanding the originating site to include any site at which the patient is located, including the patient’s home; Expanding eligible practitioners to furnish telehealth services to include occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist and audiologist; Extending the ability for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to furnish telehealth services; Delaying the six-month in-person requirement for mental health services furnished through telehealth; Extending coverage and payment for audio-only telehealth services; and extending the ability to use telehealth services to meet the face-to-face recertification requirement for hospice care. Read more.
