To improve access to care during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Congress and CMS created special rules to cover several medical services delivered via telehealth, including virtual PR, or VPR. When the PHE expired in May 2023, Medicare coverage of VPR was no longer an option. Congress recently extended Medicare coverage of VPR with the Consolidated Appropriations Act. However, without permanent extension, hospital-based programs won’t be able to offer virtual options to Medicare patients in 2028 and beyond, creating significant barriers to patient access.

Thankfully, Congress is considering a bill that would permanently establish payment for VPR under Medicare. The bill, H.R. 783/S. 248, would enact coverage of VPR administered through a hospital under Medicare. This bill has been introduced to both the House of Representatives and Senate and needs to pass through several Committees before it can be sent to the President and enacted into law. View the bills here: House/Senate

Now is the time for us as lung health advocates to make our voices heard and push for the passage of this important legislation!