Resources & Reports

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.

CCHP’s 2019 roundup of state approved legislation, which includes a detailed listing of all bills by topic area and state, is now available.

In August 2019, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released its finalized telehealth policy update to its Medi-Cal fee-for-service program. CCHP has created a comparison chart between the programs that outlines the various changes to the revised Medi-Cal policies.