Resources & Reports

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance on new and expanded flexibilities given to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FHQCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) crisis. There is also another guidance on flexibilities given to FQHCs and RHCs. The guidance documents were updated on April 30, 2020.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) submitted an interim final rule that included changes to telehealth policy in Medicare. Some of these changes have also been explained in CMS guidances recently issued, but not all items were covered by the CMS released materials. CCHP has created this crosswalk of the CMS submitted Interim Final Rule and published CMS guidances.

As things rapidly develop on both what we know about COVID-19, policies around telehealth have also been developing alongside of it. This fact sheet includes a summary of what is covered by various public and private payers with the information that has been released. Keep in mind that events are evolving and to consider this a living document that could change frequently as new information and new policies become available/are enacted.

This fact sheet include changes implemented due to responses to COVID-19 that have impacted telehealth policy in California. DHCS may still be submitting another 1135 Waiver and possible 1115 Waiver to the federal government. Policy continues to develop.

CCHP has gathered telehealth related information and guidance issued by CMS and combined the materials into a single resource compilation.  Medicare telehealth policy is generally detailed in the Medicare Learning Network (MLN)’s Booklet on Telehealth Services issued at the beginning of each year. However, occasionally questions are raised regarding telehealth reimbursement that are not addressed in the Booklet, or CMS issues supplemental MLN documents, Medicare manual sections or Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) documents to address specific topic areas that require specialized direction (such as FQHC/RHC billing). The purpose of CCHP’s compilation is to consolidate all of this information into one reference resource.