CONNECT for Health Act of 2023 Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2023
Impact
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.
Summary
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.
Contention
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.
Advanced Safe Testing at Residence Telehealth Act of 2023 This bill temporarily establishes several programs to provide telehealth services for at-home testing, evaluations, and other health care. Specifically, the bill establishes a demonstration program to provide assistive telehealth consultations and home- and community-based care for certain Medicare beneficiaries through Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Covered services include certain at-home diagnostic tests, telehealth consultations, transportation services, and meal benefits. Beneficiaries must be (1) age 65 or older and eligible to enroll in a qualifying MA plan and to receive certain low-income subsidies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit, or (2) dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The bill also establishes a grant program for state Medicaid programs to cover similar at-home tests and related telehealth consultations. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs must establish a pilot program to provide tests and related telehealth consultations free of charge to veterans.