The Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) released its Spring 2023 edition of the Summary Report on state telehealth policy changes. The report highlights significant trends and updates in telehealth policies across various states. It also offers insights into Medicaid reimbursement, private payer laws, and professional requirements.
The findings indicate a notable expansion of telehealth modalities covered by Medicaid, increasing acceptance of audio-only reimbursement, and ongoing refinements in policy details. Finally, it discusses interstate licensure compacts and the need for significant changes in private payer laws during the review period. This article covers 5 key takeaways from the CCHP Spring 2023 Telehealth Policy Report.
Spring 2023 Telehealth Policy Report: Expanded Medicaid Reimbursement for Telehealth
The 2023 Spring Telehealth Policy Report shows that many state Medicaid programs expanded telehealth reimbursement beyond live video. The expansion included policies for audio-only services and additional providers. In addition, several states broadened or refined policies to include new telehealth modalities for specific use cases. For instance, Nebraska Medicaid now covers continuous glucose monitoring for eligible beneficiaries with diabetes. Thus, expanding their existing telemonitoring coverage.
Growing Acceptance of Audio-Only Reimbursement
Audio-only reimbursement has grown over the past two years. Audio-only reimbursement served as a temporary policy during the COVID-19 emergency. However, many states have incorporated it into their permanent Medicaid reimbursement policies. This was streamlined by adding the 93-modifier to indicate the use of an audio-only modality. For example, Nevada Medicaid recently announced the allowance of audio-only reimbursement for specific telephone evaluation and management codes beyond the public health emergency.
Refined Policies and Professional Board Regulations in the Spring 2023 Telehealth Policy Report
CCHP reports that Medicaid programs continue refining their policies. Programs provide additional instructions that help providers navigate billing nuances. Specific attention is paid to issues related to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs).
States like Indiana updated their Telehealth and Virtual Services Manuals to address FQHC and RHC billing, remote patient monitoring, electronic visit verification, and out-of-state telehealth provider services. Moreover, various professional boards, including the Maine Board of Dental Practice and the Arkansas Medical Board, have adopted regulations specific to telehealth within their respective professions.
Interstate Licensure Compacts and Cross-State Licensing
Spring 2023 Telehealth Policy Report stated that interstate licensure compacts remain a popular approach to address licensing challenges across state borders. However, the rate of new states joining compacts slowed. In contrast, several new compacts were introduced through legislation. These include the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact, the Social Work Compact, and the Physician Assistant Compact. However, only a few states have joined these compacts thus far, and still need to be operational. In addition, the report notes limited changes in cross-state licensing exceptions or registrations during the Spring 2023 update.
Limited Changes in Private Payer Laws
The report indicates no significant changes to private payer laws during the reporting period. This is perhaps due to the timing of the review. The review occurred before the legislative sessions concluded in many states. As a result, it is anticipated that more activity in private payer laws and cross-state licensing laws may occur later in the year, which will be reflected in the Fall 2023 edition of the report.
Spring 2023 Telehealth Policy Report: Key Points
The Spring 2023 Telehealth Policy Report from CCHP highlights the ongoing evolution of telehealth policies across states. Expanding Medicaid reimbursement for various telehealth modalities, a growing acceptance of audio-only reimbursement, and refining policy details demonstrate continuous efforts in facilitating telehealth access and utilization. The report also emphasizes the importance of interstate licensure compacts in addressing cross-state licensing challenges.
Additionally, expect more activity this year for private-payer and cross-state licensing laws. Although, the report did not reveal significant changes in these areas. However, as legislative sessions conclude in many states, CCHP anticipates updates and developments in private-payer laws and cross-state licensing. These changes will be released in the upcoming Fall 2023 report edition.
Overall, the Spring 2023 Telehealth Policy Report provides valuable insights into the expanding Medicaid reimbursement for telehealth services, the increasing acceptance of audio-only reimbursement, and the ongoing refinements in policy details. It highlights the efforts of Medicaid programs to adapt and improve their policies, ensuring that telehealth services are accessible and efficient. The report’s emphasis on interstate licensure compacts underscores their significance in overcoming licensing challenges and facilitating telehealth delivery across state borders.
