Written by Susan Morse, HealthcareFinanceNews.com
The American Telemedicine Association is warning of yet another upcoming telehealth cliff.
There are just 24 days left for Congress to pass a federal budget and to extend the next telehealth deadline, before the government shuts down on Jan. 30, the ATA yesterday.
ATA Action, the affiliated policy and legislative advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, is once again urging Congress to act to avoid another lapse in telehealth services.
The answer is for Congress to make permanent what has been temporary extensions since the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the ATA said.
“We are counting on our government champions to find a permanent solution or at least to establish a long-term extension for these telehealth waivers,” said Alexis Apple, deputy executive director, ATA Action, and vice president of federal affairs at the ATA.
Also on the chopping block at the end of the month unless Congress acts are Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) cuts and the acute hospital care at home program.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Telehealth and other flexibilities are supported by hospitals.
All are tied up in the government funding package and are of concern, said America’s Essential Hospitals.
THE LARGER TREND
Telehealth and other healthcare flexibilities were threatened in the last government shutdown, which began Oct. 1 and became the longest shutdown in U.S. history. It ended Nov. 12 when Congress reached a budget agreement.
Democrats had held out for a continuation of Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidies but failed to get that pushed through.
The U.S. House of Representatives today was poised to vote on a three-year extension of the tax credits. The legislation is expected to pass the House, but was believed to have no chance in the Senate.
ON THE RECORD
“With only a handful of days left, time is running out for Congress to send legislation to President Trump for signature, extending essential telehealth and digital health services for the Medicare population, as well as for the millions of Americans in rural and urban communities and those with chronic and acute conditions who have come to rely on these virtual care solutions,” said ATA’s Apple. “We realize that Congress is returning to Washington with a number of pressing issues to address, right out of the gate. However, extending these telehealth waivers, originally put in place by President Trump during his first term in office, should be a slam dunk.”
