APA and MPS actions helped persuade Medicare to cover health care services provided over the telephone in addition to the care provided over teleconferencing platforms.  Following APA’s request for help from District Branches, the MPS sent letters asking  Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen to join in advocating for this change.  CMS ultimately loosened its telehealth requirements so that Medicare beneficiaries can receive health care services outside the office environment via either traditional telehealth video platforms or audio-only appointments.  This flexibility accommodates patients who:

• lack the required video technology,
• live in areas without reliable broadband access,
• have older phones that do not have a camera,
• do not know how to use video platforms.