Congress Looks set to Extend Telehealth and Hospital-at-Home Flexibilities

Congress is set to extend telehealth and hospital-at-home flexibilities through a bipartisan continuing resolution, garnering strong support from healthcare groups. The proposed bill includes a two-year extension for Medicare telehealth flexibilities, a five-year extension for the Acute Hospital Care at Home program, and provisions for cardiopulmonary rehab and diabetes prevention programs via telehealth. The SPEAK Act mandates HHS to enhance telehealth services for non-English speakers. Industry leaders, including the American Telemedicine Association and the American Hospital Association, praise the bill as a significant step toward modernizing healthcare, expanding access, and supporting rural and essential hospitals. A vote on the bill, which also prevents Medicaid cuts and boosts physician payments, is anticipated this week.