TouchPoint Care

Expanded CMS Telehealth Coverage for COVID-19

Today, the Administration announced new flexibilities from multiple agencies intended to expand access to telehealth under COVID-19 emergency authorities.

Medicare and Medicaid

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is using Section 1135 waiver authority to waive originating site restrictions for telehealth during this emergency. They will reimburse for telehealth visits to Medicare patients starting March 6, whether the patient is in a health care facility or in their home. CMS also notes that Medicaid programs have the flexibility to allow for telehealth reimbursement and do not need the federal government’s permission to do so.