After several months of anticipation the HEAT Act has been reintroduced in the Senate. This legislation would allow for the reimbursement of telehealth services in Medicare home health during a public health emergency, subject to CMS discretion. During development of the legislation NAHC pushed for telehealth to become a standard service within the benefit regardless of a PHE, but received strong opposition on Capitol Hill necessitating the emergency limitation.
The HEAT Act was introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). A companion bill in the House of Representatives is expected, though a timeline is unavailable at this point.
NAHC encourages all home health providers and their staff to urge their Senators to cosponsor the HEAT Act. As always personal calls and messages into Senate offices are the most effective. If you’re pressed for time theNAHC Legislative Action Center is set up and ready to go with a pre-drafted letter that will be sent to your Senators with just a few clicks.