Medicare Expands Telehealth Benefits Including Behavioral Health; Waives State Licensure Requirements

During the national coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, Medicare has temporarily lifted geographic restrictions to expand access to all currently covered telehealth services, including behavioral health counseling, starting on March 6, 2020. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the clarification on March 17, 2020. The additional flexibility is through a 1135 waiver. Fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries needing behavioral health treatment will be able to access counseling in their homes or at any nearby originating facility. During the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency, home-based telehealth services can be provided via consumer-facing communications technologies . . .