Improving Rural Health and Telehealth Access
Orders New Payment Model and Telehealth Expansion for Rural Healthcare
What it does
Agencies must develop a new rural payment model, plan infrastructure and telehealth improvements, report on rural health policies, and review extending public health emergency flexibilities.
Real-world impact
- Gives rural providers more Medicare flexibility and predictable payments.
- Expands telehealth access for Medicare patients in rural communities.
- Directs work to reduce maternal deaths and improve rural mental health.
Topics
Summary
This order directs the federal government to strengthen healthcare for the roughly 57 million Americans living in rural communities by expanding telehealth, improving local clinic and hospital finances, and boosting care quality. It requires the health department to propose a new payment model and asks federal leaders to plan improvements to physical and communications infrastructure.
The order also asks for a report on steps to remove rules that limit clinicians, cut maternal deaths, prevent disease, and improve mental health in rural areas.
Questions, answered
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- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”