Washington, DC – March 4, 2020 – Today, Congress passed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act to provide supplemental funding and authority to combat the growing threat of COVID-19 in the United States. The legislation includes an important provision that eHealth Initiative (eHI) advocated for, which allows providers to receive reimbursement for using telehealth technology to treat patients during the coronavirus public health emergency.

The current law includes restrictions related to when providers can be reimbursed for telehealth services. The new legislation allows the Secretary to waive Medicare telehealth reimbursement restrictions during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Coupled with existing waiver authority that allows the Secretary to waive state provider licensing requirements, this has the potential to expand access to patients during the outbreak.

"Telehealth will be a critical tool in combating the spread of coronavirus by allowing for safe, effective screening and treatment,” says Jennifer Covich Bordenick, Chief Executive Officer of eHI. “eHI applauds Congress’ inclusion of the provision to ensure our country has every tool at its disposal to fight this global epidemic.”

About eHealth Initiative

eHealth Initiative (eHI) convenes executives from every stakeholder group in healthcare to discuss, identify and share best practices to transform the delivery of healthcare using technology and innovation. eHI, along with its coalition of members, focuses on education, research, and advocacy to promote the use and sharing of data to improve health care. Our vision is to harmonize new technology and care models in a way that improves population health and consumer experiences. eHI has become a go-to resource for the industry through its eHealth Resource Center.