Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in Congress that would make permanent mental telehealth benefits in the Medicare system.
Mental and other telehealth benefits are currently covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage on a temporary basis due to emergency COVID-19 era laws that expire Dec. 31, 2024. Thanks to these laws, about one in six Medicare recipients has used telemedicine since the onset of the pandemic.
The Telemental Healthcare Access Act, introduced by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressman Bill Johnson (R-OH), would make permanent telemedicine benefits for mental health services only.
Emergency laws implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic authorized Medicare and Medicare Advantage to temporarily cover telemedicine (either video or phone) visits. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed into law last year, included a two-year extension of key telehealth provisions to Dec. 31, 2024.
Congress has been reluctant to make the changes permanent and the Consolidated Appropriations Act requires federal regulators to study how Medicare enrollees use telehealth.
Telehealth use among Medicare beneficiaries exploded right when the pandemic started in March 2020. Telemedicine usages grew from less than 1% before the pandemic to more than 32% in April 2020. Since then, the percentage has fallen to between 13% of 17% of the claims Medicare receives, according to a McKinsey & Co. analysis.
There is no doubt that telemedicine can make accessing health care easier, especially for seniors who:
- Live in remote areas,
- Have mobility issues,
- Don’t have access to or can’t afford reliable transportation,
- Or can’t drive themselves.
Congresswoman Matsui said that the bill focuses on mental health because of the difficulty many people have in sticking to appointments for trepidations therapy. The pandemic laid bare a brewing mental health crisis in the country, and due to rising demand, many patients have found it difficult to access mental health services.
The Telemental Healthcare Access Act, in particular, would remove requirements under current law that in order for Medicare or Medicare Advantage to cover mental health services, they must be conducted in person.
Why this is important
The value of telemedicine is obvious: It’s convenient for patients and providers alike, and it can save both parties money and time.
Experts say the legislation may be a precursor to other bills that would attempt to make permanent Medicare coverage of telemedicine services. It’s currently unclear if the legislation will gain traction. We’ll keep you posted if it becomes law.
