About 67 million American seniors may lose some of their Medicare benefits by the end of 2024 if Congress doesn’t act.
As of today, so-called “telehealth” services, meaning doctor’s visits by phone or video call, are covered by Medicare. But the rules enabling this coverage are set to expire at the end of 2024. About 5 percent of visits Medicare is billed for are telehealth appointments.
While the practice has been in limited use for years, the restrictions enacted by the government and businesses during the pandemic increased the popularity of virtual doctor visits. Now patients are routinely scheduling primary care “visits,” mental health counseling sessions, and more, using video calls.
It looks as though Congress may take up the issue of telehealth, but there is no guarantee. The Telehealth Modern Act of 2024 has passed out of committee but that does not necessarily mean the entire House will vote on the bill. And even the legislation passes, it is only a two-year extension for this Medicare benefit.
Finance literacy instructor Alex Beene of the University of Tennessee said Congress needs to do more than simply give the issue another two-year extension. He said remote appointments have become vital to patients, especially those who have a hard time getting to a physical facility. “It would be devastating” to millions of people who “rely on telehealth for crucial appointments,” Beene said.
If the House does not extend the provision, people in rural spots of the country may still be able to use telehealth, but only in a limited way. For example, they could speak to a doctor at another location, such as a specialist, but only if they’re already physically present in a doctor’s office to begin with.
In addition, Medicare will continue to approve coverage of telehealth for mental health, stroke, or drug and alcohol addiction services.
While it costs Medicare every time they have to pay for a visit, telehealth visits can bring a savings as evidence shows that they cut down on unnecessary and costly emergency room visits.