Under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, the Trump administration on Monday announced that it will expand telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries and cut back on HIPAA enforcement, the latest move to combat the coronavirus pandemic.  The new extended coverage will enable beneficiaries to receive a wider range of healthcare services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility.

This ensures that all Americans, especially those at high risk of the  COVID-19 disease, have access to benefits that keep them healthy and also contain the community spread of this virus.

With the 1135 waiver authority, Medicare can pay for office, hospital, and other visits furnished via telehealth across the country and including in patient’s places of residence starting March 6, 2020.  Telehealth visits will be reimbursed for the same amount as in-person visits.

For more information, click here get the CMS MEDICARE TELEMEDICINE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FACT SHEET