GAO to Senate on telehealth expansion: Not so fast

Telehealth was essential during the pandemic, but officials say there's not enough evidence to show it's as effective as in-person visits.

By Alan Goforth | May 25, 2021 at 09:59 AM

The jury is still out on the expansion of telehealth coverage for Medicare and Medicaid programs, according to testimony before the U.S. Senate this week from the General Accounting Office.

Although telehealth services were important early in the pandemic, GAO officials said there have not been enough studies to show that they are as effective as in-person visits. They also noted potentially higher costs and an increased risk of fraud, waste and abuse.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account? Sign In Now

Dig Deeper

Recommended Stories

Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on retiree benefits: What employers need to know

Sheela Andrews | June 09, 2023

As the new law rolls out, some plan sponsors are questioning whether the government’s capabilities to negotiate with Medicare on lower drug prices could prompt manufacturers to increase medication costs for employer plans.

AHA reports to Congress on the steps taken to meet new CMS rules

Dan Cook | June 08, 2023

AHA led by underscoring the industry’s positive responses to the transparency demands.

Top 10 healthiest (and unhealthiest) states in the U.S.

Richard Binder | June 09, 2023

A new study diagnoses the current health of the U.S., revealing which states have taken great strides in reducing health risks—and which ones have a little farther to go.

Resource Center

Case Study

BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.