New Executive Order Expands Telehealth Benefits

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President Trump’s latest executive order is aimed at improving telemedicine and health care access for those who live in rural areas. Telehealth benefits are also expanded for Medicare recipients past the current public health emergency declaration for the coronavirus pandemic.

Medicare telehealth had been expanded by Trump earlier this year, temporarily allowing recipients access to a wider range of services. But the new executive order expands telehealth benefits permanently, increasing access and choices for senior citizens. Medicare primary care visits conducted via telehealth has increased in the past few months in response to COVID-19.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a press release after the executive order was made, proposing a rule which reduces the clinician burden in rural areas. The CMS proposal wants to permanently allow some specified services, including some home visits, to be done by telehealth as well. This will help to address health care challenges in rural areas, where access to providers can be limited.

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This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.