HR-8489 : Still Just a Bill

Greater Access to Telehealth Act

This bill modifies the extension of certain Medicare telehealth flexibilities after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Specifically, the bill provides that certain flexibilities continue to apply until December 31, 2026, if the emergency period ends before that date. The bill allows

• beneficiaries to continue to receive telehealth services at any site, regardless of type or location (e.g., the beneficiary's home);
• occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists to continue to furnish telehealth services;
• federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to continue to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner);
• evaluation and management and behavioral health services to continue to be provided via audio-only technology; and
• hospice physicians and nurse practitioners to continue to complete certain requirements relating to patient recertifications via telehealth.

The bill also delays implementation of certain in-person evaluation requirements for mental health telehealth services until January 1, 2027, or the first day after the end of the emergency period, whichever is later.