Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Danielle Sloane provided insight for Law360 Healthcare Authority about the push in Washington, D.C. to pass legislation before the end of 2024 related to extensions for telehealth visits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers extended telehealth benefits to allow for providers to treat Medicare patients from their homes and to prescribe some prescriptions drugs without an in-person office visit to allow for greater access to care during the public health emergency. While the prescribing flexibilities have been extended, there is a push now for extending coverage of Medicare telehealth visits for patients at home ahead of the change in administration that will take place early next year.
“Given there has generally been bipartisan support for expanding Medicare’s coverage of telehealth more permanently, I suspect something will pass,” said Danielle. “That said, given the upcoming changes in the administration and Congress, it seems more likely that it will be a short-term extension that kicks the issue into 2025.”
In discussing the temporary telehealth prescribing extension from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency last week, Danielle added. “I think the industry has been waiting and hoping for more flexibility than was in the initial proposed rule, and I am sure that this extension — albeit temporary — is very welcome news for the industry, providing much-needed visibility as they plan for 2025.”
The full article, “Congress’ Dash For Telehealth Extensions: 4 Things To Know,” was published by Law360 Healthcare Authority on November 19 and is available online (subscription required).