Alliance Coleads 300 Stakeholder Letter to Congressional Leaders
The Alliance for Connected Care co-led a letter, signed by almost 300 stakeholders, to Congressional leaders emphasizing the importance of preventing patient care disruptions by extending current telehealth flexibilities in an end-of-year package for a full year or more. Read the full letter here or below:
Alliance Letter to Congressional Leaders Continued Bipartisan Leadership for Access to Telehealth
The Alliance for Connected Care sent a letter to Congressional leaders requesting their continued bipartisan leadership in assuring the public that access to telehealth services will not be allowed to lapse on December 31. Read the full letter here or below:
Alliance and Over 150 Organizations Request CMS to Ensure Telehealth Practitioners Location Are Protected
The Alliance for Connected Care led more than 150 stakeholder organizations in a letter requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to take action on preserving the benefits of telehealth by ensuring telehealth practitioners working from a home-based (or other) location do not need to report that private residence to the federal government for purposes of either enrollment or billing. Currently, CMS proposed, in the CY 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, an extension through 2025 of regulatory flexibility for telehealth practitioners who offer a telehealth service from their home or another location to report their currently [...]
Alliance Letter to HHS OIG on RPM Report
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) responded to the Alliance's letter. The Alliance for Connected Care sent a letter to HHS OIG regarding the report on remote patient monitoring. The Alliance highlights inaccuracies and subjective nature of the report. The Alliance requests HHS OIG to consider retracting the report, and amending it to accurately reflect the way that RPM services are required to be delivered in Medicare, as well as reducing the bias language. Please find the letter here or below.
Letter on House Energy & Commerce Temporary Two-Year Extension
On behalf of the Alliance for Connected Care and the many patients and clinicians we represent, the Alliance wrote to support the Committee’s leadership in working to avert a pending telehealth cliff for Medicare beneficiaries and support bipartisan passage of the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 (H.R.7623). In addition to support for the legislation, the Alliance remains concerned with the challenging language on virtual platforms and the incident to language that is restricted to virtual providers.
The Alliance Leads Almost 350 Stakeholders Urging for a Two Year Extension on DEA Telemedicine Flexibilities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT Krista Drobac; kdrobac@connectwithcare.org Hundreds of Stakeholders Call on Federal Leaders to Ensure Patient Care is Not Interrupted by Expiring Prescribing Flexibilities WASHINGTON, D.C. September 10, 2024 – Today, more than 300 organizations asked Congress and the White House to intervene to ensure ongoing access to virtual prescribing for patients and providers of certain controlled substances. Stakeholders anticipate that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will dramatically limit virtual prescribing, either through new regulations or by allowing the existing flexibilities to expire. The letters to Senate and House leadership urge Congress to include, in the end-of-year [...]
The Future of Remote Physiologic Monitoring and Current Medicare Cuts
The Alliance for Connected Care led a group letter, calling attention to the need for strong CMS support of patient access to remote monitoring services that are vital in prevention and treatment for Medicare beneficiaries. The letter was submitted to CMS through the PFS public comment process. In the Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposal, RPM code reimbursement has decreased as much as nine percent. Cumulatively, some codes been cut more than 30 percent since just 2021. While we recognize these changes are not an active policy decision, we request CMS leadership act to mitigate the [...]
Alliance CY 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS)Comments
The Alliance for Connected Care provided comments to the calendar year (CY) 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System proposed rule. As reflected in the comments below, the Alliance urges CMS to recognize payment for genetic counselors providing care virtually, expand its proposal on virtual cardiac rehabilitation, and allow for outpatient reimbursement for RPM care management services. We believe these steps will improve the overall quality of care, lower costs, and improve the experience of Medicare beneficiaries.
Alliance CY 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Comments
The Alliance for Connected Care provided comments to the calendar year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule. As reflected in the comments below, the Alliance appreciates CMS for ensuring certainty to telehealth access to Medicare beneficiaries to the extent it could. The Alliance is committed to leveraging telehealth and remote patient monitoring to improve quality of care while also lowering costs and improving the clinician experience. The Alliance would like to emphasize the following overarching priorities in advance of our more detailed response: The Alliance supports the CMS proposal for a one-year extension to provide time [...]
Alliance Comments on the 21st Century Cures Initiative
The Alliance for Connected Care provided input into refining the goals of the 21st Century Cures initiative. The Alliance has a strong interest and member expertise in the way digital health technologies can support and expand access to care while improving patient engagement and quality. After four years of experiencing the benefits of expanded telehealth services, patients expect telehealth and remote patient monitoring as an option in their care treatment plans. We believe the Cures 2.0 effort has the potential to modernize an antiquated reimbursement system to better serve patients in need and realize the potential of digital technologies [...]
Telehealth Stakeholder Letter to Congressional Leadership
The Alliance for Connected Care joined a telehealth stakeholder letter to congressional leadership, urging swift action on legislation that would extend current Medicare telehealth flexibilities.
Alliance Leads Letter to Congressional Appropriators to Support Telehealth Resource Centers FY 2025
The Alliance for Connected Care led a letter asking Congressional Appropriators to include a $14 million request for the Telehealth Resource Centers (TRC) program at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in FY2025 appropriations.This increase in funding would provide a critical boost to the TRCs, which saw an 800% increase in demand for telehealth assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-pandemic, demand for telehealth technical assistance remains high, with TRCs experiencing a 400% increase compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. The TRCs need at least $14M in funding in FY25 to ensure that each TRC (regional and national) can receive at [...]
Letter on House E&C Temporary Two-Year Extension
On behalf of the Alliance for Connected Care and the many patients and clinicians we represent, we write to support the Committee’s leadership in working to avert a pending telehealth cliff for Medicare beneficiaries and support bipartisan passage of the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 (H.R.7623). The Alliance for Connected Care sent a letter to House Energy & Commerce Committee leadership in support of averting a pending telehealth cliff for Medicare beneficiaries.
Over 380 Clinicians Send Letter to DEA
Over 380 clinicians and practitioners signed a letter, requesting the DEA to issue a revised proposed rule to regulate the prescribing of controlled substances through telehealth as soon as possible to ensure adequate time for patients to continue existing care. To read a full copy of the stakeholder letter, please click here.
Letter on House W&M Temporary Two-Year Extension
On behalf of the Alliance for Connected Care and the many patients and clinicians we represent, I am writing to share our appreciation for your leadership in advancing important telehealth access – building on the dynamic hearing this spring on care in the home. Most notably, we have supported the Committee’s actions to avert the coming telehealth cliff on December 31, 2024 – both through the advancement of commercial market telehealth last year and now with a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth access.
Alliance Submits Letter to AMA On Remote Monitoring
The Alliance for Connected Care sent a letter to the American Medical Association’s (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel in response to its May 2024 meeting agenda, which includes Tab 38 – Remote Monitoring. The Alliance appreciates the consideration of stakeholder feedback into the revised proposal to ensure coding for remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) accurately and appropriately represents the clinical utilization of these services by clinicians and care teams. Read the full letter here, or below.
Alliance Submits Statement for the Record for House Energy & Commerce Hearing on Telehealth Legislation
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted a statement for the record to the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Health Subcommittee for the legislative hearing, "Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Telehealth Services." The Alliance focused its comments on: The need for urgent action in extending Medicare telehealth provisions through December 31, 2024 to provide certainty around the future of telehealth. Endorsed telehealth legislation and urged the Subcommittee to advance bipartisan legislation. Several recommendations that Committee should consider to permanently expand access to telehealth. Recommendations for fraud, waste, and abuse. Read the full letter here, or below. [...]
Alliance Co-Leads Letter to DEA Urging Action on Telehealth Rule Crucial for Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stakeholders Send Letter to DEA Urging Action on Telehealth Rule Crucial for Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders WASHINGTON, DC, APRIL 2, 2024 – The Alliance for Connected Care, American Telemedicine Association, ATA Action, the Consumer Technology Association, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, co-leading the effort, submitted a letter to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requesting the expedited release of a revised proposed rule to permit and regulate the prescribing of controlled substances through telehealth. The letter was signed by 214 stakeholders. Current flexibilities allowing for the remote prescribing of controlled substances [...]
Alliance Statement – Correcting the Record for House Ways & Means Hearing on Care in the Home
Correcting the Record on Telehealth March 2024 During the March 12 House Ways and Means Committee Hearing on Expanding Access to Care at Home in Rural and Underserved Communities, a number of already disproven myths about telehealth were publicly repeated. While broader understanding of the benefits and use of telehealth have come a long way, these outdated misconceptions continue to undermine policymaking and must be corrected. Importantly, the Alliance and its members believe that an in-person visit requirement is never the right guardrail for a telehealth service – because these requirements harm patients with access challenges, such those [...]
Alliance Submits Statement for the Record for House Ways & Means Hearing on Care in the Home
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted a statement for the record to the House Ways & Means Committee for the hearing, "Enhancing Access to Care at Home in Rural and Underserved Communities." The Alliance focused its comments on: The need for urgent action in extending Medicare telehealth provisions through December 31, 2024 to provide certainty around the future of telehealth. Committee to work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure virtual care meet the needs of Medicare beneficiaries is valuable and should be continued. Several recommendations that Committee should consider to permanently expand access [...]
Alliance Joins Statement to DEA on Geographic Red Flag in Telemedicine
The Alliance for Connected Care joined over 45 organizations in a statement to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), requesting explicit guidance to the pharmacy community that the geography of a prescriber in relation to the patient or the pharmacy should not be a "red flag" when a prescription is a result of a telehealth visit. Read the letter here or below:
Alliance Leads Over 200 Organizations in a Letter Urging Congress to Act on Telehealth
The Alliance for Connected Care convened well over 200 organizations on a letter, urging congressional leaders to act on telehealth earlier this year, to allow for implementation time prior to the expiration of statutory restriction on December 31, 2024. Without timely and decisive action from Congress, many Americans risk losing access to telehealth services they rely upon due to challenges with 2024 timelines needed to ensure 2025 benefits – such as federal payment rules, employer and health plan benefit decisions, and health provider workforce decisions. For more information and the Alliance’s advocacy, please click here. Read the letter [...]
Alliance Joins Letter In Support of the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act
The Alliance for Connected Care joined over 20 organizations in a stakeholder letter supporting the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act (H.R. 1310). The bill would authorize the use of FBI criminal history record information for administration of interstate compacts. Read the letter here or below:
Alliance for Connected Care Opposes Duplicate Coding for Telehealth Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provided a response to our letter. See here for the response from CMS. The Alliance for Connected Care sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the consideration of new telehealth codes as proposed by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2023. The AMA Relative Value Scale Update (RUC) Committee in May proposed 17-20 new telehealth codes to be considered in the CMS Medicare Telehealth Services List. The Alliance and its members oppose the creation of new telehealth codes that duplicate services already covered [...]
Alliance for Connected Care Urges AMA to Ensure Coding for RPM and RTM Accurately Represents Clinical Utilization
The Alliance for Connected Care sent a letter to the American Medical Association's (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel in response to its February 2024 meeting agenda, which includes Tab 50 - Remote Monitoring. The public agenda seems to indicate major revisions to remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM). The Alliance is concerned that the revisions to RPM and RTM codes because we do not believe these changes would improve a clinician’s ability to manage care and we are concerned with downstream implications of this change – such as the potential exacerbation of concerns with appropriate utilization [...]
Alliance Submits Statement for the Record for Senate Finance Health Subcommittee Hearing on Medicare Telehealth Permanency
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted a statement for the record to the Senate Finance Committee, Subcommittee on Health for the hearing, "Ensuring Medicare Beneficiary Access: A Path to Telehealth Permanency." The Alliance focused its comments on: Recommendations for a permanent telehealth expansion that Congress should consider, including steps to ensure equitable access; Other non-Medicare recommendations that we believe Congress should prioritize; and While we generally do not believe additional telehealth guardrails are needed, we offer some options that would be operationally feasible for health care organizations to implement without significantly disrupting patient access to care. Read the [...]
Alliance and Over 110 Organizations Request CMS to Ensure Telehealth Practitioners Privacy Are Protected
Read the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' response to our comments here. The Alliance for Connected Care, in partnership with the American Telemedicine Association, led 112 organizations in a letter requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to take action on preserving the benefits of telehealth by ensuring telehealth practitioners working from a home-based (or other) location do not need to report that private residence to the federal government for purposes of either enrollment or billing. Currently, CMS allows practitioners to render telehealth services from their home without reporting their home address on their [...]
Alliance Leads 170 Organizations in a Letter Supporting the Telehealth Expansion Act
The Alliance for Connected Care led a letter urging House and Senate leaders to support the passage of the Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023 (H.R. 1843/S. 1001). This is legislation which the House Ways & Means Committee advanced on a bipartisan basis earlier this year. The Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023 is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would make permanent the pandemic-era policy that enabled employers to provide telehealth services on a pre-deductible basis to individuals with high-deductible health plans coupled with a health savings account (HDHP-HSA). The bill would ensure this critical telehealth flexibility continues for the [...]
Alliance Submits Comments on How Telehealth Can Boost Access to Care in Rural America
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments to the House Ways & Means Committee request for information (RFI) on ways to incentivize access to care in rural America. Please find the full comments below or here.
Alliance Highlights the Importance of a Special Registration to Allow Continuity of Care for Patients
The Alliance for Connected Care appreciated the opportunity to testify for the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) listening session on prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine on September 12, 2023. We appreciate the DEA’s quick response during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) to allow prescribing via telemedicine. This was also a hugely meaningful expansion of access for Americans who had other barriers to accessing care. These include individuals who are frail, homebound or lack transportation, who live in areas with provider shortages, people of all kinds whose caregiving responsibilities serve as a barrier to care. We strongly support the development [...]
Comment Letter on CY 2024 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule for calendar year (CY) 2024, which includes several important reforms with respect to telehealth. The Alliance emphasized the following overarching priorities: The Alliance appreciates and supports the proposal from CMS to pay claims billed with POS 10 (Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home) at the non-facility PFS rate. We applaud CMS for this choice, which recognizes that Medicare services provided via telehealth are simply a different modality for patients to receive the same care. However, rather than defining this payment rate around [...]
Alliance Support Letter for DC Bill 25-125 – Uniform Telehealth Act of 2023
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Christina Henderson, Chair of the Committee on Health within the Council of the District of Columbia, for Bill 25-125 - Uniform Telehealth Act of 2023. The bill would adopt the Uniform Telehealth Act in the District of Columbia, which would provide the District with the clear guidance and framework needed to facilitate the delivery of services via telehealth consistent with the standard of care of the jurisdiction in which the patient is located. It would also establish a registration system for out-of-state practitioners to provide telehealth services to patients located in [...]
Alliance Leads More than 185 Organizations in a Letter Supporting the Telehealth Expansion Act
The Alliance for Connected Care led 188 organizations in a letter urging House Ways & Means Committee leaders to advance the Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023 (H.R. 1843/S. 1001) to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023 is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would make permanent the pandemic-era policy that enabled employers to provide telehealth services on a pre-deductible basis to individuals with high-deductible health plans coupled with a health savings account (HDHP-HSA). The bill would ensure this critical telehealth flexibility continues for the more than 32 million Americans with these plans [...]
Statement on the Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023
The Alliance for Connected Care is pleased to support the Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023 (H.R. 1843/S. 1001) and applauds Representatives Steel (R-CA), Lee (D-NV), Smith (R-NE), and Schneider (D-IL) and Senators Daines (R-MT) and Cortez Masto (D-NV) for their leadership in introducing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation. This bill would make permanent the CARES Act authority allowing employers and health plans to cover telehealth visits for individuals with high-deductible health plans coupled with a health savings account (HDHP-HSA) before having to meet their deductible. This flexibility has been critical to ensuring American families could maintain access to a range [...]
Alliance Support Letter for Nevada Assembly Bill 198
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Elaine Marzola, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor in the Nevada State Legislature, for Assembly Bill 198. The bill would adopt the Uniform Telehealth Act in the State of Nevada. The Uniform Telehealth Act would provide the state with the clear guidance and framework needed to facilitate the delivery of services via telehealth consistent with the standard of care of the state in which the patient is located. It would also establish a registration system for out-of-state practitioners to provide telehealth services to patients located in the state [...]
Alliance Leads Letter to Congressional Appropriators to Support Telehealth Resource Centers
The Alliance for Connected Care led a letter asking Congressional Appropriators to include a $14 million request for the Telehealth Resource Centers (TRC) program at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in FY2024 appropriations. This increase in funding would provide a critical boost to the TRCs, which saw an 800% increase in demand for telehealth assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The TRCs need at least $14M in funding in FY24 to ensure that each TRC (regional and national) can receive at least $1M each to continue to meet this demand and ensure that telehealth questions and issues [...]
(UPDATED) Mental Health Groups Call on DEA for Continued Access to Treatments Through Telehealth
The Alliance for Connected Care and other leading organizations called on the Biden Administration to make modifications to the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) proposed rule, Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances When the Practitioner and the Patient Have Not Had a Prior In-Person Medical Evaluation, to ensure more flexible prescribing limitations for providers when a controlled substance is offered by a highly-trained clinician in conjunction with an ongoing mental health treatment plan. To read the final letter, see below or click here.
Alliance Co-Leads Letter in Support of the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act
The Alliance for Connected Care co-led a letter signed by more than 40 organizations in support of the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 (H.R. 824), which would permanently treat telehealth services as an excepted benefit. During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury stated that they would not enforce any penalties if employers wanted to offer telehealth services to their employees who were not eligible for employer-sponsored group health insurance, such as seasonal or part-time workers, for the duration of the PHE. The eased rules allow [...]
Alliance Submits Comments to the DEA Proposed Rule on Prescribing Controlled Substance via Telemedicine
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the request for information from the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) proposed rule, Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances When the Practitioner and the Patient Have Not Had a Prior In-Person Medical Evaluation. The Alliance highlights its concerns that the rule does not satisfy multiple congressional directives to establish a process for providers to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine without a prior, in-person medical evaluation. The Alliance urges the DEA to move forward with the development of a special telemedicine registration to ensure access to medically necessary services are available [...]
Alliance Joins Letter With Mental Health Groups Calling on DEA for Continued Access to Treatments Through Telehealth
Alliance Joins Letter With Mental Health Groups Calling on DEA for Continued Access to Treatments Through Telehealth
Alliance Submits Comments in Response to the Senate HELP Committee Workforce RFI
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the request for information from the Senate HELP Committee on the drivers of the health care workforce shortage. The Alliance specifically outlined the important role that telehealth can play in addressing health care workforce shortages moving forward and why telehealth should be included in any legislative action on this issue to ensure a comprehensive approach to bolstering the health care workforce nationwide. To read the full letter, click here or see below: Alliance 2022 Survey Cross-state licensure Alliance OPPS Comment Letter Letter to [...]
Alliance for Connected Care and the American Telemedicine Association Disappointed in the Process for the Multi-Jurisdictional Contractor Advisory Committee on RPMs
The Alliance for Connected Care and the American Telemedicine Association sent a letter expressing disappointment in the process for evaluating Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM). The letter states that the time allotted to subject matter experts is not adequate and expresses concern about the bibliography provided to meeting participants last week, which is missing at least 45 studies by known clinical experts. “We are concerned that advice rendered by the CAC in this instance will not be the result of a full scientific inquiry, nor will it help ensure unbiased or contemporary consideration of state of the art technology and science" Watch the [...]
Alliance Support Letter for Washington SB 5481 – Concerning the Uniform Telehealth Act
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Annette Cleveland, Chair of the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee within the Washington State Legislature, for Senate Bill 5481 - Concerning the Uniform Telemedicine Act. The bill would adopt the Uniform Telemedicine Act in the State of Washington. The Uniform Telemedicine Act would provide the state with the clear guidance and framework needed to facilitate the delivery of services via telehealth consistent with the standard of care of the state in which the patient is located. It would also establish a registration system for out-of-state practitioners to provide telehealth [...]
Alliance Submits Comments in Response to White House OSTP on Clinical Research Infrastructure and Emergency Clinical Trials
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the request for information from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) on clinical research infrastructure and emergency clinical trials . The Alliance specifically outlined licensure restrictions that present a barrier to clinical trial recruitment and diversity and present a recommendation for OSTP’s consideration. As one goal of this emergency clinical trials initiative is to support the expansion of clinical research into underserved communities, and increase diversity among both trial participants and clinical trial investigators, the Alliance believes that continuing to modernize and decentralize [...]
Letter to MACs About RPM Meeting
The Alliance for Connected Care joined a letter, led by the Connected Health Initiative (CHI).
Alliance Urges CMS to Preserve Beneficiary Access to Telehealth Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated list of Medicare telehealth services for calendar year 2023, which removes the 151-day restriction. All telehealth codes should now be active through December 31, 2023. Action Needed to Align Payment with Congressional Authority On January 13, 2023, the Alliance for Connected Care sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the implementation of the telehealth provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Some Medicare telehealth codes are currently scheduled to expire 151 days after the expiration of the COVID-19 public [...]
Alliance Applauds Inclusion of Major Telehealth Provisions in FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
The inclusion of a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth and commercial market telehealth flexibilities will make a huge difference to so many Americans. The Alliance for Connected Care has been calling for predictability for patients and clinicians while continuing to work toward permanent telehealth authorization. This gives us both. The package includes a two-year extension of widely supported Medicare telehealth services that Congress enacted at the start of the pandemic. This extension will provide certainty to beneficiaries and health care providers, along with continued access to these critical virtual care services, while ensuring sufficient time is taken [...]
Alliance Supports Members of Congress in Letter Pushing for Extension of HDHP Telehealth
On December 12, 2022, Reps. Schneider (D-IL), Steel (R-CA) and Lee (D-NV) led a bipartisan group of 30 House Members in a letter asking House leadership to extend critical commercial market telehealth flexibilities in the year-end appropriations package. The Alliance for Connected Care worked closely with the Congressional offices on this advocacy effort. The letter called on Congress to include the extension of the flexibility that allowed health plans and employers to provide pre-deductible coverage of telehealth services for individuals with a high deductible health plan coupled with a health savings account (HDHP-HSA). This provision was included in both the Primary and Virtual Care [...]
Alliance Signs Letter Urging Congress to Extend HDHP Telehealth Flexibilities
On November 15, 2022, the Alliance for Connected Care and more than 350 organizations signed a letter urging Congress to extend the telehealth provision that allows employers the flexibility to offer telehealth services pre-deductible to employees with a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HDHP-HSA). The letter reminds congressional leaders that without legislative action, employers will be required to charge employees more to access telehealth services, creating a barrier to care, including telemental health. Without action by Congress, this provision will expire on December 31, 2022. New action is needed to ensure Americans do not lose access [...]
Alliance and Others Send Letter to DEA to Advance Proposed Rules on the Special Registration Telemedicine
Alliance and Others Send Letter to DEA to Advance Proposed Rules on the Special Registration Telemedicine The Alliance for Connected Care and more than 300 participants sent a letter urging the DEA to advance the proposed rules on the Special Registration for Telemedicine under the Ryan Haight Act to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The proposed rule would enable a practitioner to deliver, distribute, dispense, or prescribe via telemedicine a controlled substance to a patient who has not been medically examined in-person by the prescribing practitioner. Without immediate action, there will be a gap between the finalization of [...]
Key Telehealth Provisions in the Calendar Year 2023 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
On November 1, 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule. The rule updates payment rates and finalize policy changes effective January 1, 2023. See the Press Release, Fact Sheet, Fact Sheet (MSSP), and the Final Rule. General CMS finalized its proposal to add some services to the Medicare Telehealth Services List on a Category 3 basis through the end of 2023, some of which had not been previously added to the Medicare Telehealth List during the PHE, but will be added on a [...]
Alliance Submits Comments to the Proposed CY 2023 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS)
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the CMS Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Proposed Rule. The Alliance applauded the proposal to ensure the continuation of patient access to mental health services from hospital-based providers after the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The Alliance is committed to leveraging telehealth and remote patient monitoring to improve the quality of care while also lowering costs and improving efficiency, and we believe this extension will help to serve [...]
Hundreds of Stakeholders Call on Senate Leaders to Make Telehealth a Priority This Fall
Washington, DC, September 13, 2022 – Today, an astounding 375 organizations sent a joint letter to bipartisan leadership of the U.S. Senate urging action on telehealth legislation this fall. Policy certainty beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) is essential to continuing access to telehealth for both Medicare and commercial market patients. The letter urges the Senate to pass a two-year extension of important telehealth policies enacted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which are currently set to expire 151 days after the end of the PHE. The letter represents the diversity of groups across the health [...]
Comment Letter on CY 2023 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule for calendar year (CY) 2023, which includes several important reforms with respect to telehealth. The Alliance emphasized the following overarching priorities: While we appreciate and support the effort from CMS to create more temporary Category 3 codes (and its proposal to retain these codes through the end of CY 2023), we are disappointed CMS did not find sufficient clinical benefit to add any of the proposed Category 1 or Category 2 codes. We continue to believe these temporary codes do not [...]
Alliance Submits Comments in Response to CMS RFI on Medicare Advantage
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the request for information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. The Alliance specifically commented on the role that telehealth has played in providing access to care in the MA program and key policy considerations for CMS to ensure this care modality is available and effectively utilized within the MA program moving forward. Top recommendations to CMS include: Move forward with dramatic expansions to the use of telehealth to meet network adequacy requirements; Clarify that the use of diagnoses [...]
Alliance Submits Comments in response to the Health and Human Services’ Strengthen Primary Health Care RFI
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the request for information from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on strengthening primary health care. The Alliance specifically commented on impact of telehealth in primary care access. The Alliance recommends the HHS to: Prevent restrictions, such as in-person visits requirements on primary care, that prevent telehealth from effectively bridging primary care gaps, especially in areas where the primary health care workforce is already limited; Reduce payment or practice barriers restricting the locations from which providers can offer telehealth (such as their homes) - creating [...]
Alliance for Connected Care Applauds the House for Advancing Telehealth Coverage for Seniors
WASHINGTON D.C. July 27, 2022 – The Alliance for Connected Care (the Alliance) applauds U.S. House lawmakers for their commitment to protecting telehealth access through the passage of the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2022 (H.R. 4040). This legislation would ensure that Medicare beneficiaries continue to have access to telehealth until at least December 31, 2024. “We are pleased to see the House of Representatives taking action to reduce ambiguity around the future of telehealth in Medicare,” said Krista Drobac, Executive Director of the Alliance for Connected Care. “This legislation will protect crucially needed patient access [...]
Alliance Leads a Letter Supporting the Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2022
The Alliance for Connected Care led a letter with other leading telehealth groups supporting the Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2022, which would allow employers to provide telehealth or other remote care services to employees ineligible for an employer-sponsored group health plan. To read the full letter, click here or see below:
Alliance submits comments in response to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on Strengthening Community Health Through Technology RFI
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the request for information from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) on strengthening community health through technology. The Alliance specifically commented on the burdensome licensure requirements which create a barrier in access to virtual health care. The Alliance recommends the federal government to: Develop and implement a national framework for interstate licensure; and Address state licensing limitations that impact clinical trial recruitment and diversity. The Alliance believes telehealth and remote patient monitoring are important tools for bringing innovative services and treatments to those with the [...]
Alliance submits comments in response to Healthy Future Task Force Treatments Subcommittee RFI
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the request for information from the Treatments Subcommittee of the Healthy Future Task Force regarding medical innovation to supercharge the availability and development of life-saving treatments, devices, and diagnostics, while addressing rising costs to patients. The Alliance specifically commented on the question under “Goal 4: Increase access to medical innovation” about decentralizing clinical trials in order to expand access to innovative treatments to patients through remote monitoring. The Alliance believes continuing to modernize and decentralize clinical trials is critical for creating opportunities for more diversity and patient engagement. Obviating the [...]
Alliance submits comments in response to Healthy Future Task Force Modernization Subcommittee RFI
The Alliance for Connected Care provided comments in response to the Healthy Future Task Force Modernization Subcommittee request for information regarding the utilization of wearable technologies, the expansion of telemedicine, and digital modernization efforts in the United States health care system. The goal of the Healthy Future Task Force is to build on Republican health policy goals and craft patient-focused agendas for the future. The Modernization Subcommittee aims to harness technological innovations to deliver affordable, quality care to all Americans. The Alliance believes telehealth has the potential to broaden access to care and improve patient engagement and outcomes, and [...]
Alliance Support Letter for Kansas SB 454
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, Senate Majority Whip and Chair, Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare, for Senate Bill 454. Senate Bill 454 would amend the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) authorized scope of practice to permit the prescribing of controlled substances without a supervising physician. This bill would help to eliminate barriers such as collaborative practice agreements with a supervising physician and grant full practice authority to improve access to care for Kansas patients. Allowing APRNs to practice at the top of their licenses means allowing them to use all [...]
Alliance Support Letter for South Dakota SB 134
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Sen. Erin Tobin, Vice-Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, for Senate Bill 134. Senate Bill 134 would modernize Physician Assistant (PA) practice and remove the outdated collaborative agreement with a physician in order to put all advanced practice providers on equal footing. The bill would allow experienced PAs to collaborate with, consult with, or refer to the appropriate member of the health care team. This important legislation would help increase patient access to health care services for all South Dakotans, especially as rural and medically underserved communities across [...]
Alliance Support Letter for Minnesota SB 2303
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Paul J. Utke, the Chair of the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, for Senate Bill 2303. The bill would adopt the Nurse Licensure Compact in the State of Minnesota. The Nurse Licensure Compact allows for the issuance of multistate licenses that allow nurses to practice in their home state and other compact states, without having to obtain additional licenses. This bill is critical because it allows for mutual recognition of state licenses between states participating in the compact. One of the biggest barriers to telehealth becoming a [...]
Alliance Support Letter for Virginia SB 1245
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Sen. George Barker, Chair of Subcommittee on Health Professions Senate Education and Health Committee, for Senate Bill 1245. Senate Bill 1245 would repeal the sunset provision included in a bill that passed in 2021 (House Bill 1737) that reduced the number of years of full-time clinical experience a nurse practitioner must have to be eligible to practice without a written or electronic practice agreement from five years to two years. By reducing the transition to practice requirement for nurse practitioners (NPs) to two years on a permanent basis, House Bill 1245 [...]
Alliance Submits Comments to FSMB Draft Report on Appropriate Use of Telemedicine Technologies
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) request for comments on the draft document entitled “Report on the Appropriate Use of Telemedicine Technologies in the Practice of Medicine.” The Alliance offered comments we hope the FSMB Workgroup on Telemedicine will consider as it finalizes this document in the coming weeks. We primarily offer recommendations around the provision of audio-only telehealth, reforming licensure laws and regulations, removing restrictive in-person requirements for establishing a provider-patient relationship, and addressing health equity through broadband access and affordability. Summarized below are takeaways from our [...]
Alliance Support Letter for Utah SB 151
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Sen. Curtis S. Bramble, Chair of the Utah Senate Business and Labor Committee, for Senate Bill 151. Senate Bill 151 would adopt the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact. Under this compact, Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) licensed in a Compact member state may practice in another Compact member state, allowing APRNs to have one multistate license with the ability to practice in all Compact states without having to obtain additional licenses. The APRN Compact would establish multistate compacts that have reciprocity and that do not require additional licensing, while simultaneously [...]
Alliance submits letter of support for Maryland HB 670 – Study on Expansion of Interstate Telehealth
On February 8, the Alliance for Connected Care submitted a letter of support for Maryland House Bill 670, which would require the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) to study the ways that interstate telehealth can be expanded to allow Maryland residents to use telehealth to receive health services from out-of-state practitioners. As a telehealth advocacy organization, the Alliance believes that one of the biggest barriers to telehealth becoming a regular patient and provider choice is the administrative burden caused by the variation in licensure requirements from state to state. This bill would allow the state to evaluate the role [...]
Alliance Support Letter for Maryland SB 154
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Sen. Paul G. Pinsky, Chair of the Maryland Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, for Senate bill 154. Senate Bill 154 would adopt the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact. Under this compact, Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) licensed in a Compact member state may practice in another Compact member state, allowing APRNs to have one multistate license with the ability to practice in all Compact states without having to obtain additional licenses. The APRN Compact would establish multistate compacts that have reciprocity and that do not require additional licensing, [...]
Alliance Statement on the Introduction of the Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act
Legislation by Senators Cortez Masto and Young creates the path to retain patient access to telehealth WASHINGTON D.C. February 7, 2022 – The Alliance for Connected Care (“The Alliance”) is pleased to support the introduction of the bipartisan Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act (S. 3593) and applauds Senators Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Young (R-IN) for their leadership in drafting this crucial legislation to ensure predictable patient access to telehealth following the end of the public health emergency. “We call on Congress to take up and pass the Telehealth Evaluation and Extension Act this spring, said Alliance for Connected Care [...]
Stakeholders send letter to Senate HELP Committee leaders urging consideration of addressing state licensing limitations in clinical trials
Today, 17 organizations sent a letter to Senate HELP Committee leaders, urging them to consider addressing state licensing limitations in clinical trials in the Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and Pandemics Act (PREVENT Pandemics Act). The discussion draft of the PREVENT Pandemics Act was released by Senate HELP Committee leadership last week. This bipartisan legislation is focused on strengthening the nation’s public health and medical preparedness and response systems in the wake of COVID-19. Section 502 of the PREVENT Pandemics Act is focused on modernizing clinical trials, and would require the FDA to issue [...]
Alliance Submits Comments to House Ways & Means Committee on America’s Mental Health
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted a letter to the House Ways & Means Committee providing input to the Committee hearing on "America's Mental Health Crisis." Our letter summarizes the following recommendations: Congress should permanently remove obstructive in-person requirements on mental health through telehealth. Congress should move to fully remove outdated originating site requirements on telehealth. Congress should ensure continued access to audio-only mental health care. Congress should ensure Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), and Rural Health Clinics can furnish telehealth in Medicare. Congress should work with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to [...]
More than 330 Stakeholders Seek Leadership from Congress to Create Permanent Comprehensive Telehealth Reform
Washington, DC, January 31, 2022 – Today, more than 330 organizations sent a letter to Congress urging their leadership in facilitating a pathway to comprehensive permanent telehealth reform that would provide certainty to patients and our nation’s healthcare providers while providing sufficient time for Congress and the administration to analyze the impact of telehealth on patient care. The letter was co-led by the Alliance for Connected Care, American Telemedicine Association (ATA), College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), Consumer Technology Association (CTA), Executives for Health Innovation (EHI), Health Innovation Alliance, HIMSS, Partnership to Advance Virtual Care, and the [...]
More Than 125 Organizations Urge Congress to Reinstate Virtual Care Access for Individuals with HDHP-HSAs
Letter to Congressional Leaders Stresses Urgency of Reinstating Telehealth Safe Harbor Washington, DC – UPDATED - January 21, 2022 – Today, more than 125 organizations sent a letter to Congress to urge policymakers to reinstate the telehealth safe harbor enacted in the CARES Act that enabled employers and health plans to provide pre-deductible coverage for telehealth services for individuals with high-deductible health plans coupled with Health Savings Accounts (HDHP-HSAs). The letter was convened by the Alliance for Connected Care and includes a diverse mix of signers including patient groups, clinician organizations, employer coalitions, and digital health platforms. During [...]
Alliance Submits Comments to Senate Finance Committee on Mental Health
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted a letter to the Senate Finance Committee providing input into the development of bipartisan legislation to enhance behavioral health and substance use disorder care for all Americans. Our letter includes recommendations to answer the following questions: What policies would encourage greater behavioral health care provider participation in these federal programs? What barriers, particularly with respect to the physician and non-physician workforce, prevent patients from accessing needed behavioral health care services? Should federal licensing and scope of practice requirements be modified to reduce barriers for behavioral health care workers seeking to participate in federal [...]
Alliance signs letter urging Congress to expand telehealth options for employees
On November 1, the Alliance for Connected Care and nearly 50 stakeholder groups sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to make permanent the current regulatory flexibility that allows telehealth and remote care services to be treated as an excepted benefit for certain employees. Including standalone telehealth as an excepted benefit will help ensure hardworking Americans can access high-quality, cost-effective care when and where they need it most, regardless of employment status. Without Congressional action, employers will be unable to offer basic virtual health services to millions of Americans in part-time and seasonal jobs or workers otherwise not participating [...]
Protecting Patients and Telehealth Access: More Than 230 National Organizations Urge Governors Across the Country to Maintain and Expand Licensure Flexibilities Throughout Federal Public Health Emergency
Letter to Governors Stresses Urgency of Expiring Licensure Waivers and its Impact on Patient Access to Care Washington, DC – November 1, 2021 – Today, more than 230 organizations sent a letter to all 50 state governors urging them to maintain and expand licensure flexibilities enacted at the start of the pandemic for the duration of the federal public health emergency, to better address patient needs during the ongoing pandemic. The letter was convened by the Alliance for Connected Care, ALS Association, and National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), and includes a diverse mix of signers ranging from patient [...]
More Than 70 Organizations Urge Congress to Extend Virtual Care Provisions in the CARES Act for Individuals with HDHP-HSAs
Letter to Congressional Leaders Stresses Urgency of Impending Expiration of Telehealth Safe Harbor Washington, DC – October 26, 2021 – Today, more than 70 organizations sent a letter to Congress to urge policymakers to address the impending expiration of the telehealth safe harbor enacted in the CARES Act that enabled employers and insurers to provide pre-deductible coverage for telehealth services for individuals with high-deductible health plans coupled with Health Savings Accounts (HDHP-HSAs). The letter was convened by the Alliance for Connected Care and includes a diverse mix of signers including patient groups, clinician organizations, and employer coalitions. During the [...]
Alliance Statement for the Record to Senate Commerce Hearing on: “State of Telehealth: Removing Barriers to Access and Improving Patient Outcomes”
ALLIANCE FOR CONNECTED CARE STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD “State of Telehealth: Removing Barriers to Access and Improving Patient Outcomes" The Alliance submitted a letter to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Communications, Media, and Broadband Subcommittee on a hearing examining the importance of access to telehealth services, and the role that broadband plays in the public health response. Our statement summarizes the following recommendations: Congress should invest in efforts that support broadband affordability for patients and providers. Congress must continue to coordinate with other federal agencies to ensure improvements are being made to our taxpayer-funded programs, and that [...]
Alliance Joins Letter Calling on CMS to Address Critical Access Hospital Telehealth
The Alliance for Connected Care joined roughly 20 other groups in calling on CMS to address Critical Access Hospital (CAH) telehealth. "We agree that telehealth payment should be addressed for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and also believe outpatient behavioral therapy services offered by Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are a key component of a comprehensive rural behavioral health strategy."
Alliance Joins Congressional Letter to Support Telehealth Resource Centers
The Alliance for Connected Care joined a letter this week to Senate HELP Chair Murray and Ranking Member Blunt requesting funding support for the Telehealth Resource Centers (TRC) program in the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This increase in funding would provide a critical boost to the TRCs, which have experienced a high of an 800% increase in demand for telehealth assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic across the nation, yet have been level-funded since 2006.
Comment Letter on CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule for calendar year (CY) 2022, which includes several important reforms with respect to telehealth. The Alliance applauds the proposal to retain all Category 3 telehealth codes through the end of Calendar Year (CY) 2023 to provide an opportunity to collect and study data on the telehealth experience during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In advance of our more detailed response the Alliance emphasized the following overarching priorities: A great deal of confusion continues to exist around the authority of the Administration to [...]
430+ Organizations Urge Congress to Address ‘Telehealth Cliff’
430 Organizations Urge Congress to Address ‘Telehealth Cliff’ Letter to Congressional Leaders Highlights Telehealth Priorities Washington, DC – July 26, 2021 – Today, more than 430 organizations sent a letter to Congress to urge policymakers to address the “telehealth cliff.” The letter was co-led by the Alliance for Connected Care, American Telemedicine Association, Consumer Technology Association, eHealth Initiative, HIMSS, Health Innovation Alliance, Partnership to Advance Virtual Care, and PCHAlliance. If Congress does not act before the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), Medicare beneficiaries will lose access to virtual care options which have become a lifeline to [...]
Alliance Submits Comments to Cures 2.0
The Alliance for Connected Care provided input into the draft Cures 2.0 legislation released in late June that will build upon the important legacy of the 21st Century Cures Act. A copy of the full Cures 2.0 discussion draft circulating now among lawmakers is available here. A section-by-section summary of the bill is available here. The draft legislation includes several telehealth provisions including: Sec. 402. Strategies to Increase Access to Telehealth under Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program: collaborating with Reps. Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Burgess (R-TX) to include the Telehealth Improvement for Kids’ Essential Services (TIKES) Act. This policy would [...]
Alliance Statement for the Record to Senate Finance Hearing on COVID-19 Health Care Flexiblities
ALLIANCE FOR CONNECTED CARE STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD “COVID-19 Health Care Flexibilities: Perspectives, Experiences, and Lessons Learned” The Alliance submitted a letter to the Senate Finance Committee on the "COVID-19 Health Care Flexibilities: Perspectives, Experiences, and Lessons Learned.” The Alliance will focus comments on 1) Research and evidence we have gathered thus far; 2) Recommendations for future telehealth expansion that Congress should consider – including steps to ensure equitable access; and 3) Recommendations for telehealth “guardrail” provisions that Congress should consider to prevent fraud, waste and abuse in the health care system. While we prefer the implementation of permanent [...]
Alliance Statement for the Record to House Ways & Means Committee Hearing on Telehealth
ALLIANCE FOR CONNECTED CARE STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD “Charting the Path Forward for Telehealth” The Alliance submitted a letter to the House Ways & Means Committee, Subcommittee on Health on the "Charting the Path Forward for Telehealth.” The Alliance provided: 1) recommendations for telehealth expansions that Congress should consider – including steps to ensure equitable access, 2) comments about telehealth research and evidence, and 3) recommendations for telehealth “guardrail” provisions that Congress could consider, if it is believed they are necessary.
Alliance Letter to ONDCP Special Telemedicine Registration
The Alliance for Connected Care sent the attached letter to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) applauding their inclusion of the telemedicine special registration for the prescribing of controlled substances this year as part of the Biden Administration’s First-Year Drug Policy Priorities. The Biden Administration outlined its drug policy priorities for its first year, stressing harm reduction, racial equity and helping people with substance use disorder find employment. As part of the announcement there was included a commitment to move forward the special registration for telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances this year. As you remember, [...]
Group Letter to HHS Secretary Becerra on Virtual DPP
Roughly 20 organizations, including the Alliance for Connected Care have signed a letter asking Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to extend Medicare coverage for virtual visits during the PHE and “work on longer-term reforms” that would make connected health a permanent part of the program. Given the ongoing and worsening prediabetes challenges facing seniors, expectations that the PHE will continue throughout 2021, and the cessation of many in-person DPP programs, we believe CMS must act immediately to preserve access to these services. We believe that the Department of Health and Human Services should immediately use its emergency [...]
Alliance Letter of Support for Texas SB 992
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Senator Kelly Hancock, Chair of the Texas Senate Committee on Business & Commerce, for Senate Bill 992. The bill would allow health professionals located outside of the state of Texas to provide telehealth services to patients residing within the state of Texas so long as they are licensed and authorized to provide the service in the state in which they are licensed. The bill would maintain that the standard of care for such services would be the same as for health professionals providing in-person health care services to a patient, and [...]
Alliance Letter of Support for Illinois HB 580
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Marcus Evans, Jr., the Chair of the Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee, for House Bill 580. The bill would amend the Nurse Practice Act to approve the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows for issuance of multistate licenses that allow nurses to practice in their home state and other compact states. The bill is critical because it allows for mutual recognition of state licenses between states participating in the compact. One of the biggest barriers to telehealth becoming a regular patient and provider choice is the administrative burden caused by variation [...]
Alliance Letter of Support for Illinois HB 366
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to Theresa Mah, the Chair of the Illinois House Health Care Licenses Committee, for House Bill 366. The bill would require the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue or deny a license no later than 30 days after completion of the application for practical nurse and registered professional nurse licensure. The Alliance believes that quickly approving licensure applications will help ensure eligible nurses are working, and will ultimately improve access to health care. Read the full letter here and below:
Alliance Written Testimony – New York FY2022 Executive Budget
The Alliance submitted written testimony for the New York State FY2022 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Health, which took place on February 25, 2021. The Alliance applauds the telehealth-related proposals included in the Governor’s Executive Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2022, and was particularly thrilled to see specific provisions around the creation of an interstate licensure program to authorize out-of-state practitioners licensed in contiguous states or states in the Northeast region to provide telehealth services to patients in New York. “While we support and appreciate efforts by the State to acknowledge the importance of interstate licensure capabilities and [...]
Alliance Letter of Support for Alaska SB 67
The Alliance submitted a letter of support to David Wilson, Chair of the Alaska Senate Health and Social Services Committee, for Senate Bill 67. The bill would allow Registered and Licensed Practical Nurses from 34 states to practice in Alaska as part of a Multistate Nurse Licensure Compact. These registered and practical nurses would not be subject to the burdensome licensing process. The bill would also allow nurses in Alaska to practice in those 34 participating states. Opening up Alaska to licensed nurses will help provide needed access to care across the state. Read the full letter here and [...]
Alliance Statement for the Record to House Energy & Commerce Committee Hearing on Telehealth
ALLIANCE FOR CONNECTED CARE STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD “The Future of Telehealth: How COVID-19 is Changing the Delivery of Virtual Care” The Alliance submitted a letter to the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health on the "“The Future of Telehealth: How COVID-19 is Changing the Delivery of Virtual Care.” The Alliance provided 1) overarching comments about telehealth research and evidence, 2) recommendations for telehealth expansions that Congress should consider and 3) recommendations for telehealth “guardrail” provisions that Congress could consider. Top Telehealth Priorities These priorities were also outlined in the July 2020 group letter to Congress with [...]
Alliance Written Testimony in Maryland
The Alliance submitted written testimony offering the Medical Excellence Zone as an alternative to Maryland House Bill 732. "We request that the Committee consider an alternative called the Medical Excellence Zone. The Medical Excellence Zone is an area defined by multiple state borders where medical practitioners may practice across state lines. Practitioners may not establish physical practices in states where they are not licensed but as long as they are licensed and in good standing with one state in the Zone, they may practice across state lines." Key provisions and additional details on the MEZ can be viewed here. [...]
Alliance Letter Regarding Telehealth Fraud
The Alliance for Connected Care sent a letter to HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) Principal Deputy Inspector General Grimm urging OIG to update posts on "telehealth fraud" to better distinguish traditional fraud from telehealth fraud. The Alliance supports several recommendations to address improper telehealth payments: Conduct periodic post-payment reviews to disallow payments for errors for which telehealth claim edits cannot be implemented (for example, unallowable originating sites or unallowable means of communication Work with MACs to implement all telehealth claim edits listed in the Medicare Claims Processing Manual; Offer education and training sessions to practitioners on Medicare telehealth [...]
Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery Request for Information (RFI)
The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the HHS request for information on the health and economic emergency created by the COVID-19. The Alliance responded to over 20 recent policy changes with recommendations. We believe some should become permanent and some were only appropriate during the PHE and should cease at its end. Review our full comments here and below:
Input for the CONNECT for Health Act of 2021
The Alliance for Connected Care provided feedback on the Senate Telehealth Working Group and Congressional Telehealth Caucus’ request for information (RFI) on the 117th Congress’ iteration of the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act. The Alliance provided 1) overarching comments about top priorities for telehealth legislation, 2) recommend new provisions for inclusion in the CONNECT package and 3) provide feedback on the continued relevancy of 2019 CONNECT provisions. Review the Alliance's comments here and below
Alliance Joins Letter to Hill in Support of Temporary Extension of DEA Waiver in COVID Relief Package
The $908 Billion Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020 – While its outcome remains very much in doubt, the $908 Billion bipartisan compromise proposal put forward in the Senate includes a provision to temporarily extend the DEA waiver of the in-person requirement through the end of 2021. We urge Congress to extend the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) waiver of the prior in-person requirement before telemedicine is allowed for prescribing of controlled substances under the Ryan Haight Act through the end of 2021. The DEA has waived this requirement for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). [...]
Digital Health Groups Call on Congress to Extend Telehealth Access
The Alliance for Connected Care, American Telemedicine Association, College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, Connected Health Initiative, eHealth Initiative, Health Innovation Alliance, HIMSS and the PCHAlliance called on Congressional leaders to act to preserve access to telehealth as part of an end of year package. "While we seek permanent reforms to enable Medicare beneficiaries to continue to access services via telehealth once the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ends, we write today to express our support for provisions, proposed by a bipartisan group of Senators, that would extend temporary telehealth flexibilities until the end of 2021 in an end-of-year [...]
Endorsement Letter Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act
Today, 225 organizations signed a letter to House Telehealth Caucus Representatives Thompson, Welch, Matsui, Schweikert, and Johnson endorsing the Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020 (HR 7663). The legislation includes four major and vital provisions: Removing arbitrary geographic restrictions on where a patient must be located in order to utilize telehealth services; Enabling patients to continue to receive telehealth services in their homes; Ensuring federally qualified health centers and rural health centers can furnish telehealth services; and Establishing permanent waiver authority for the Secretary of Health & Human Services during future emergency periods and for 90 [...]
Over 200 Organizations Sign Letter Endorsing Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020
Today, 225 organizations signed a letter to House Telehealth Caucus Representatives Thompson, Welch, Matsui, Schweikert, and Johnson endorsing the Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2020 (HR 7663).
Industry Support Letter on RPM Grant Bill
We are pleased to support the Increasing Rural Health Access During the COVID–19 Public Health Emergency Act of 2020 (H.R. 7190/S. 3951.) This important legislation would improve access to virtual care tools for Americans with chronic conditions living in rural America, on tribal lands, or in medically underserved areas. Download PDF
340 ORGANIZATIONS SEND LETTER TO CONGRESS URGING ACTION ON TELEHEALTH
Congress Must Act to Ensure Patients and Providers Don’t Fall Off the “Telehealth Cliff" When Public Health Emergency Ends Today, 340 organizations signed a letter urging Congressional leaders to make telehealth flexibilities created during the COVID-19 pandemic permanent. Those signing this multi-stakeholder letter include national and regional organizations representing a full range of health care stakeholders and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Congress quickly waived statutory barriers to allow for expanded access to telehealth at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing federal agencies with the flexibility to allow healthcare providers to deliver care [...]
Letter to Congress Urging Action on Telehealth
Congress Must Act to Ensure Patients and Providers Don’t Fall Off the “Telehealth Cliff” When Public Health Emergency Ends Today, 340 organizations signed a letter urging Congressional leaders to make telehealth flexibilities created during the COVID-19 pandemic permanent. Those signing this multi-stakeholder letter include national and regional organizations representing a full range of health care stakeholders and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Congress quickly waived statutory barriers to allow for expanded access to telehealth at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing federal agencies with the flexibility to allow healthcare providers to deliver care virtually. [...]
Letter to Alexander Preparing for the Next Pandemic
The Alliance submitted comments to Senate Finance Committee Chair Alexander's white paper outlining recommendations and important questions to better prepare for future pandemics. Public Health Capabilities – Improve State and Local Capacity to Respond Make permanent HHS temporary telehealth waiver authority during emergencies Facilitate telehealth care across state borders Expand broadband access to ensure access to care Download PDF
Alliance Calls for More Broadband Funding
The Alliance for Connected Care endorsed H.R.6474 – the Healthcare Broadband Expansion During COVID-19 Act. This legislation would significantly expand funding for the Federal Communications Commission to support healthcare broadband deployment in response to COVID–19.
Alliance Comments on the COVID-19 Interim Final Rule
On April 14, the Alliance for Connected Care wrote the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in response to the COVID-19 Interim Final Rule. The Alliance emphasized the importance of the many changes that were made, and requested several next steps for CMS, leveraging new authorities that is has received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Alliance priorities included: Expanded flexibility for audio-only telehealth to a broader set of services Technical fixes to ensure telehealth can be delivered by more clinicians, including changes to distant site provider rules. Additional flexibility for E-Visits and Virtual Check-ins Ensure [...]
Alliance Comments on Medicare Advantage Regulation
The Alliance for Connected Care commented on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed rule on "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2021 and 2022 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicaid Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly." In our comments, we address four key areas for telehealth and remote patient monitoring: 1) Telehealth for Medicare Advantage network adequacy, 2) telehealth for Special Needs Plans, 3) additional telehealth benefit requirements, and 4) telehealth changes to the medical loss ratio. Please find the full [...]
Letter to CMS on MA-PD Rule
The Alliance submitted comments on the MA-PD Rule. Within the Proposed Rule, we have identified four priorities for telehealth and connected care: Medicare Advantage (MA) and Cost Plan Network Adequacy Improvements to Care Management Requirements for Special Needs Plans (SNPs) Additional Telehealth Benefits Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Download PDF
Stakeholder Letter – Telehealth for People with High-Deductible Health Plans
On March 20, a group of leading organizations called on Congress to pass legislation that amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers and health plans to cover telehealth services pre-deductible in Health Savings Account-eligible high deductible health plans during this health care crisis. This legislation would build on efforts by Congress to ensure access to telehealth during this emergency, when access to care and treatment is more important than ever.
Stakeholder Letter on Telehealth HDHP Language
Leading organizations called on Congress to pass legislation that would amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers and health plans to cover telehealth services pre-deductible in Health Savings Account-eligible high deductible health plans during this health care crisis. Download PDF
Letter from Leading Telehealth, Provider, and Expert Groups Asking for a Follow-up Tweak for Healthcare Providers to be able to Better use the Medicare Telehealth Provision from the First Coronavirus Package
Leading telehealth, provider, and expert groups sent a letter to leaders in the House and Senate for a follow-up tweak for healthcare providers to be able to better use the Medicare telehealth provision from the first COVID-19 (coronavirus) package.
Group Letter on Strengthening Telehealth for COVID19
Letter to Congressional Leaders from Leading Telehealth, Provider, and Expert Groups Asking for a Follow-up Tweak for Healthcare Providers to be able to Better use the Medicare Telehealth Provision from the First Coronavirus Package. Download PDF
Alliance Sends Letter to Congressional Leaders on Telehealth for COVID-19
The Alliance for Connected Care sent a letter to eight Congressional leaders to include a provision in the COVID-19 supplemental appropriation that will allow telehealth visits to be covered in traditional Medicare during the public health emergency. Including this provision in the upcoming supplemental legislation will encourage health systems and others to leverage telehealth in their communities, allowing for critical care connections.
Alliance Submits Comments to HHS on Stark and Anti-Kickback Safeharbors for Telehealth
Comments & Letters The Alliance for Connected Care provided feedback to HHS on proposed rules revising safe-harbors under the Anti-Kickback Statute and Civil Monetary Penalty rules on beneficiary inducements. The Alliance focused its comments on four priority areas for telehealth and remote patient monitoring in the proposed rule: Request for comment on the possible exclusion of health technology companies from value-based safe harbors Implementation of the statutory exception for telehealth technologies for in-home dialysis as passed by Congress New opportunity to protect arrangements involving telehealth and remote patient monitoring under the care coordination safe harbor New safe harbor for [...]
Multistakeholder letter to OIG
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Alliance Submits Comments to Cures 2.0 Call to Action
The Alliance for Connected Care provided input into the development of a Cures 2.0 effort that will build upon the important legacy of the 21st Century Cures Act. We look forward to advancing access to digital health technologies.
Cures 2.0 Call to Action
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Alliance Joins Group Letter Supporting CMS Proposals on Telehealth and Remote Monitoring
The Alliance for Connected Care joins 15 other groups to support CMS CY 2020 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program proposals on telehealth and remote monitoring. Our cosigners in the multi-stakeholder letter are AliveCor, American Association for Respiratory Care, American Telemedicine Association, Biocom – Life Science Association of California, Catalia Health, Connected Health Initiative, Diasyst, HIMSS, Kaia, Life365, LifeWire, Pt Pal, Rimidi, UnaliWear and Upside Health. Full Comment Letter:
Response to Congressional Telehealth Caucus RFI
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Comment Letter on HIPAA Modifications RFI
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Alliance Comments to MACRA Proposed Rule
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MACRA RFI Comment Letter
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Comment Letter to the Federation of State Medical Boards Regarding the Draft Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
The Alliance submitted comments on the draft Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (the “Compact”). The Alliance recommended several additions to strengthen the draft Compact. Recommend that FSMB more clearly demonstrate the value that will be added as a result of the establishment of a Commission including additional detail on the Commission’s role in facilitating expedited licensure determinations; the streamlined communication channels between the home state, the Commission, and other member states; and the timeframe for expedited licensure. We recommend that FSMB include a timeframe in the document that specifies the length of time estimated for end-to-end processing. The Compact [...]