State Medicaid telehealth coverage
Medicaid telehealth reimbursement policies vary state to state.
Most states have expanded Medicaid coverage for telehealth. For instance, many states are now allowing:
- Telehealth services via telephone, electronic and virtual means
- Home as the originating site for telehealth
- Coverage and pay parity for telehealth services
- Asynchronous telehealth services
The Center for Connected Health Policy has information on permanent state telehealth laws and reimbursement policies.
Billing tips for providers:
Learn more on the Billing for Providers - What Should I Know? Tip Sheet
This tip sheet provides an overview on reimbursement for telehealth services with Medicare, Medicaid, and private payors.
Preventing Medicaid and CHIP coverage lapse
You can help your patients prevent lapses in coverage through the “unwinding” process if they are insured through state Medicaid and/or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offer education and information on patient communication with Consumer Research on Unwinding Phase 1 — Preventing the Churn (PDF).
You can ensure patients are aware that action is required and let them know what action must be taken to prevent a coverage lapse. This includes keeping their address updated, monitoring their mail, and being aware of their Medicaid or CHIP expiration dates.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offers these patient resources in English and Spanish:
Did you know?
Medicaid programs have the ability to cover and reimburse for Medicaid services delivered using audio-only telehealth technologies. Learn more here: State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit: Supplement #1 (PDF)