CMS just released the 2020 final rule with changes to its virtual care codes. The new provision, officially titled “Communication Technology-Based Services,” introduces three new covered Telehealth Services. These changes were proposed as part of the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule earlier this year and continue CMS’ efforts to reduce administrative burden and cover more virtual care services in the […]
A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation on October 30th designed to expand Medicare beneficiaries’ access to telehealth services. The bill is called the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2019 (hereinafter, the “CONNECT Act” or the “Act”). In order to understand what the Act seeks to accomplish, […]
What’s the news: A bipartisan Senate bill unveiled last week would make it easier for patients enrolled in Medicare to receive telehealth services from physicians. Digital health that counts The AMA is spearheading initiatives that put physicians at the center of digital health innovation. See how you can get involved. The AMA is joining more […]
(NAPSI)—If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, or are considering one, you will have more plan choices with a wider range of benefits to help you better manage your day-to-day health needs during this year’s open enrollment period. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, gives Medicare enrollees a […]
This week, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the long-awaited updated version of the CONNECT for Health Act, a bill that is likely to be the most comprehensive bipartisan telehealth reform package to be introduced in this Congress. Lawmakers will consider the bill amid a surge in telehealth popularity and vocal support for telehealth […]
Removing geographic barriers and improving rural access are among the goals of CONNECT for Health Act of 2019, which has bipartisan Senate and House support. Support for telehealth is breaking political barriers in the nation’s Capitol. In a bipartisan, bicameral initiative, legislation to expand telehealth services through Medicare was introduced yesterday, led by U.S. Sen. […]
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed several telehealth bills, making the state among a dozen to support payment parity, store-and-forward care and telemedicine abortions. By Eric Wicklund October 21, 2019 – A slew of telehealth bills signed this month by Governor Gavin Newsom positions California at the forefront of the connected health movement – including making the state […]
On October 11, 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law requiring commercial health insurance coverage and payment parity for telehealth services. The law will benefit patients by increasing access and availability to healthcare services, and catalyze the growth of telehealth technologies throughout California. California is representative of a growing national trend of states across the […]
On April 5, 2019, CMS issued final rules (the Final Rule) implementing various provisions of the 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act (the 2018 Budget). The 2018 Budget includes provisions allowing Medicare Advantage plans to provide telehealth benefits as basic benefits, which are paid for by the Medicare program, rather than solely as supplemental benefits, which are […]
Contract Year 2020 Medicare Advantage and Part D Flexibility Final Rule (CMS-4185-F) On April 5, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that updates the Medicare Advantage (MA or Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) programs by promoting innovative plan designs, improved quality, and choices for […]
The expansion of telehealth is changing the landscape of health care. This is the second in a four-part series exploring what providers should know about this growing area. Before 2015, Medicare did not pay separately for telehealth, and telehealth and telemedicine services were bundled into “evaluation and management” codes. However, in 2015, the Center for […]
The rule updates give Medicare Advantage plans the flexibility to offer telehealth as a covered benefit, boosting patient care access. By Sara Heath April 09, 2019 – CMS has finalized updates that would introduce telehealth as a covered benefit in Medicare Advantage plans, which will ideally improve patient care access. This move comes as a part […]
CMS has finalized new rules unveiled last year that will expand telehealth access and reimbursement for the growing number of Americans in Medicare Advantage plans – and their doctors. By Eric Wicklund April 08, 2019 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has finalized its plan to expand telehealth access and coverage in Medicare Advantage […]
The new ruling will expand access geographical and plans will have more flexibility in payment models. By Laura Lovett Come 2020, Medicare Advantage (MA) members will have more access to virtual care visits, according to a new ruling from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that was finalized on Friday. The new ruling will […]
The new rule, which will go into effect in the 2020 plan year, will allow Medicare Advantage to offer telehealth services as part of their basic benefits, providing patients more options to receive healthcare services from locations like their home. By Kevin Truong / Apr 7, 2019 at 2:47 PM As part of effort by […]