Part 4/8:
Policy Changes Accelerate Remote Care
Prior to the pandemic, insurance reimbursement for telemedicine and digital health services was limited, and practicing across state lines was often not permitted. The crisis, however, prompted rapid policy adaptations, notably by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In April 2020, CMS relaxed reimbursement rules and authorized payments for virtual visits, leading to a dramatic increase—over 80 new digital health services emerged in just a few months.