CONNECT for Health Act of 2023 Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2023
In addition to structural changes, the bill includes provisions that repeal the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health services, making it easier for patients to receive continuous care through telehealth. It also introduces measures for improving oversight of telehealth services, aiming to mitigate fraud and abuse. By allocating funds for oversight and education, the bill seeks to ensure that telehealth services are provided appropriately and that health care providers receive adequate training on the requirements related to telehealth implementation.
House Bill 4189, titled the 'Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2023' (or 'CONNECT for Health Act of 2023'), aims to expand access to telehealth services under the Medicare program. The bill proposes to remove geographic restrictions that currently limit where telehealth services can originate from, allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes. Furthermore, it expands eligible originating sites to include homes and various community-based settings, thus making telehealth more accessible, particularly for individuals in rural areas or those who may have difficulties attending in-person appointments.
Despite its intentions, the bill does face some contention. Supporters argue that increasing access to telehealth is essential for modern healthcare delivery, especially highlighted by the pandemic's demands for remote services. Critics, however, warn against rushing into removing necessary regulations, fearing it may lead to lower quality care or increased healthcare fraud without proper oversight mechanisms. This debate centers on finding the right balance between access and safety, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not underserved or exploited in expanding telehealth services.