The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) that passed on March 27, 2020 was the largest in US history, representing a $2 trillion aid package. Congress was encouraged to provide increased access, funding and guidance for Telehealth and related health IT from the eHealth Initiative (eHi) and other leading organizations. The CARES Act addresses and relieves some of the immediate challenges in delivering quality healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telehealth and other health related technology is a natural solution to some of these current healthcare delivery challenges. The CARES Act provides increased telehealth grants by reauthorizing the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant funding for 2021-2025 making $29 million per year available. It also eases some of the previous restrictions on Telehealth visits including the requirement that the patient was seen within the past three years for an in person visit.
The range of Telehealth solutions has expanded considerably. The CARES Act acknowledges this by redefining Telehealth beyond just real-time video technology. In particular, the ability to monitor the health and symptom status of a patient remotely will prove to be life-saving technology for patients and providers.
The CARES Act also allows the designation of FQHCs and some rural clinics as Medicare Telehealth “distant sites” to make reimbursement for Telehealth visits easier. Additional appropriations provide funding for specific Telehealth activities and initiatives.
More information about eHi and their advocacy can be found at: https://www.ehidc.org/content/ehealth-initiative-supports-passage-cares-act-–-urges-further-action%EF%BB%BF-immediate-release-0
Strategic Interests has Telehealth experts able to help you implement, enhance or transform your Telehealth capabilities. Contact us to learn more.
Recent Comments