RCPA Federal and State Telehealth Update — Sept. 18, 2025
PHE
CMS Releases Revised Telehealth Services Publication
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a revised Medicare Learning Network (MLN) fact sheet on telehealth services. A number of changes have been made due to the end of the public health emergency (PHE), including the following items:
- Information on the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency as well as CY 2023 and telehealth policies.
- Status of Ongoing Flexibilities:
- Through December 31, 2024, all patients can get telehealth wherever they are located. They do not need to be at an originating site, and there are no geographic restrictions.
- Through December 31, 2024, all providers who are eligible to bill Medicare for professional services can provide distant site telehealth.
- For behavioral or mental health telehealth, you may use 2-way, interactive, audio-only technology. This is also part of the PA Telehealth Statute under Act 98.
- Additional Resources Provided:
- Chapter 12, Section 190 of the Medicare Claims Processing Manual
- Telehealth Policy Changes After the COVID-19 PHE
- Tips for Telehealth Success
- Added information on:
- New G-codes. Starting January 1, 2023, you may voluntarily report the use of telehealth technology in providing home health (HH) services on HH payment claims. See MLN Matters Article MM12805 for more information.
- Consent for care management and virtual communication services.
Providers are encouraged to review this document closely and bookmark it for future reference.
As RCPA continues its efforts to expand access via telehealth in Pennsylvania, we will be submitting comments on the new Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). RCPA will be sending out a communication on this in the coming days.
Federal HIPAA Telehealth Flexibilities to End August 9
PHAN to Host Webinar on How Changes to Medicaid Will Impact Waiver Services — May 22
Join Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) on May 22, 2023, at 1:00 pm for a community conversation about Medicaid waivers. Amy Lowenstein, Director of Policy, and Pamela Putnam Silver, Supervising Attorney from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project, will discuss:
- The end of COVID-era policies in the CHC and OBRA waivers and what they mean for those applying or receiving waiver services;
- What to expect from the waiver renewal process;
- Addressing changes in income and resources that may impact eligibility;
- Where to go for help; and
- Any questions and concerns.
Register for the meeting here.
DDAP Provides Reminder on Extension of Regulatory Flexibilities Beyond End of PHE
ANCOR Webinar on Implications for ICF/IID Programs With the Ending of the PHE — May 17
SAMHSA Revises OTP Take-Home Medication Flexibilities Guidance, DDAP Concurs
OCR Provides 90-Day Transition Period for HIPAA Telehealth Compliance
CMS Call Regarding End of COVID-19 PHE Scheduled for April 25
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be hosting an informational National Office Hours call on April 25, 2023, at 3:30 pm. The call will focus on the ending of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) that will take place on May 11, 2023, and will help providers, facilities, and people with Medicare prepare. CMS leaders and expert staff will present an overview of the effects of the PHE’s ending on the current waivers and flexibilities and then answer questions.
In preparation for this webinar, CMS encourages participants to review the following resources to determine what questions remain that will support your efforts after the end of the PHE:
- What Do I Need to Know? CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency;
- The Current Emergencies web page; and
- The Coronavirus Waivers and Flexibilities web pages.
Speakers:
- CMS Leaders from the Office of the Administrator, Center for Medicare, and Center for Clinical Standards and Quality
- CMS Subject Matter Experts on Medicare policy and PHE-related waivers and flexibilities
RSVP — Register Here
After registering, a confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the call. When you select the link to join the call on April 25, you will see a message stating that the host will allow you to join the event momentarily. Please continue to wait at that screen until the CMS team opens the call and admits everyone.
Free Upcoming Webinar Series: 2023 PHE Unwinding
The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) is pleased to offer series of upcoming webinars focusing on various Medicaid-related topics. During each session, experts from PHLP will share what advocates and providers need to know about the unwinding of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
Please register for each training using the separate links below. Closed captioning will be available for each session. If you have any questions about the series or problems with registration, please email Danna Casserly.
UPCOMING TOPICS:
Getting Ready for Medicaid & SNAP Changes
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
9:30 am ET
Medicaid Eligibility 101
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
10:00 am ET
Medicaid Appeals, Reconsideration, & Troubleshooting Coverage Denials
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
10:00 am ET
Revisiting MAWD (Medical Assistance for Workers With Disabilities) & Introducing Workers With Job Success
Thursday, April 20, 2023
11:00 am ET
Dual Eligibles & Medicare Savings Programs
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
11:00 am ET
