The bipartisan Telehealth Modernization Improvement Act of 2024 was introduced on March 12, aligned with the House Ways and Means Committee hearing, “Enhancing Access to Care at Home in Rural and Underserved Communities,” by Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Greg Steube (R-FL), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), and Joe Morelle (D-NY).

This bill would extend the following waivers relevant to aging services:

• Permanently removes geographic requirements for telehealth services;
• Allowing the home to serve as an originating site;
• Expanding practitioners who are able to bill for telehealth services (for example, allowing physical and other therapists to bill);
• Continue to allow audio only technology; and
• Continuing to allow the hospice face to face recertification to be done via telehealth.

LeadingAge supports this bill and will keep members posted on its progress.