The House Appropriations Committee released a continuing resolution that extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Nov. 21, avoiding an impending deadline when the policy changes were set to expire. The pandemic-era flexibilities, which include removing geographic restrictions for telehealth and expanding the types of clinicians who can provide virtual care, have been crucial for patients and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telehealth groups and providers have been advocating for these policy extensions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to care through telehealth services. While some changes have been made permanent, many still operate on temporary waivers that have been extended multiple times since 2022. The short runway provided by the latest resolution before the flexibilities expire again raises concerns among telehealth advocates, who believe the policy uncertainty could hinder health systems from investing in virtual care.
However, the continuing resolution does not address the extension of more generous financial assistance for individuals purchasing health plans on the Affordable Care Act exchanges. Democrats have expressed concerns about the looming expiration of the enhanced premium subsidies and have threatened to shut down the government if Republicans do not preserve these subsidies.
The resolution also includes amendments to other healthcare policies. It extends the Acute Hospital Care at Home initiative, allowing approved Medicare-certified facilities to provide inpatient level care in patients’ homes, through Nov. 21. Additionally, funding for community health centers, which serve underserved populations with primary care, has been extended. The resolution also delays scheduled cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, a measure that Congress has repeatedly postponed.
House Republican leaders aim to vote on the resolution by the end of the week. However, Democrat lawmakers have indicated that they will not support a spending package unless Republicans engage in negotiations on policy priorities, including healthcare issues such as the ACA subsidies. The possibility of a government shutdown looms if a bipartisan agreement is not reached in time.
The continuing resolution reflects a complex interplay of healthcare policy priorities and funding extensions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in navigating the healthcare landscape amidst evolving healthcare needs and political dynamics.
