Reimbursement for telehealth is unfortunately complicated and the policy environment is in constant flux. In addition to self-pay, Medicare, Medicaid and many private payers offer some form of reimbursement for telehealth delivered services . However, policies vary by both state and payer. This fact sheet summarizes some of the current telehealth reimbursement issues.
Timely access to specialty care is a serious issue, particularly for California’s rural and underserved populations. With 3.4 million newly insured, this issue has worsened. The use of electronically delivered services is one way to help alleviate demand and improve quality.
HR 1892, the Bipartisan Budget Bill, includes telehealth elements from the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic Care Act.
Missouri House Bill 1617, sponsored by Representative Jay Barnes, proposes to amend the statute regarding the use of telehealth under the Missouri Department of Social Services, which includes MO HealthNet, Missouri’s Medicaid plan. HB 1617 would alter current law regarding telehealth definitions and reimbursement policy.
Funded by the Milbank Memorial Fund, CCHP conducted a study to assess and describe telehealth private payer parity laws, the relative impact the laws have had on private and public payers, and develop recommendations for improving private payer parity laws.
