Will there be any inclusion in the bill about agencies being able to bill for these types of visits and possibly any indication about how far back agencies would be able to bill for telehealth visits?

Thanks,

Bekki

Bekki Drewlo RN, BSN, MPA | HC Executive Director

11725 Stinson Ave, Chisago City, MN 55013

Office: 651-257-7830 | Cell: 651-210-5419 | Fax 651-257-8852

From: mhcabod@list.mnhomecare.org <mhcabod@list.mnhomecare.org> On Behalf Of Kathy Messerli
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2020 7:31 PM
To: MHCABOD@list.mnhomecare.org
Subject: telehealth input needed this week
Importance: High

I put this ask out to the Advocacy Committee but know that there may also be good ideas from board members.

We believe that a telehealth bill will be drafted for this upcoming session and have been asked for input from the home care perspective. Some ideas that have been mentioned from various sources would making permanent flexibilities that improve access:

              1. Require “any location” to be covered as originating site under Medical Assistance.

2. Recognize telehealth by video as an in-person visit in Medicaid (e.g. remove first-time visit in-person and other similar rules). Require provider to ensure standard of care is met to use video.

3. Keep the telephone as a permissible modality for telehealth but only if video is unavailable (i.e. enrollee lacks sufficient internet, video software, or cellular plan/data to conduct visit by video). If standard of care can’t be met, reimbursement is unavailable for phone.

4. Keep waiver of face-to-face requirements if provider can show need and ensure appropriate standard of care

I am particularly interested in hearing from the agencies that have some experience with telehealth/telemedicine.

Will you please send me ideas that you have regarding permanent state law telehealth changes that would be impactful for the industry? Please send them to me no later than Friday.

Thank you all!

Be Well,

Kathy Messerli

Executive Director

Minnesota HomeCare Association

2550 University Ave. W.,  Ste. 350 S | St. Paul, MN 55114-1900

Direct: 651.635.0038 | Main: 651.635.0607

Toll-free: 866.607.0607 | Fax: 651.635.0043

www.mnhomecare.org | kmesserli@mnhomecare.org

Mission: MHCA represents and supports Minnesota home care providers committed to high quality home care services.

Vision: MHCA will shape the home care landscape to improve and sustain quality home care services.