Safe Testing at Residence Telehealth Act of 2020
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (20 Oct 2020): Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
This bill would allow Medicare to pay for certain at-home diagnostic tests related to COVID-19, as well as telehealth consultations that help order or manage these tests. These include specific diagnostic tests for influenza to help diagnose COVID-19, and serology tests for COVID-19. The bill also clarifies that Medicare can pay practitioners for these services even if they are not at the same location as the patient or did not perform the test themselves.
Practitioners would need to report demographic information for patients receiving these tests or consultations, including age, race, ethnicity, gender, and chronic conditions. The bill also states that Medicare would not pay for in-person tests if a telehealth order for the same test had already been placed, unless a practitioner determines the in-person test is medically necessary.
The bill, H.R. 8642, was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2020. It was referred to two committees, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for consideration. As it was only introduced, it has not yet been voted on or passed by either chamber of Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Safe Testing at Residence Telehealth Act of 2020
This bill provides for Medicare payment of certain at-home diagnostic tests and telehealth assessments that are provided in relation to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), requires practitioners to report specified demographic data with respect to such tests and services, and prohibits payment for in-person tests that were already ordered via telehealth.
Timeline
20 Oct 2020
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8642 do?
- This bill would allow Medicare to pay for certain at-home diagnostic tests related to COVID-19, as well as telehealth consultations that help order or manage these tests. These include specific diagnostic tests for influenza to help diagnose COVID-19, and serology tests for COVID-19. The bill also clarifies that Medicare can pay practitioners for these services even if they are not at the same location as the patient or did not perform the test themselves. Practitioners would need to report demographic information for patients receiving these tests or consultations, including age, race, ethnicity, gender, and chronic conditions. The bill also states that Medicare would not pay for in-person tests if a telehealth order for the same test had already been placed, unless a practitioner determines the in-person test is medically necessary. The bill, H.R. 8642, was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2020. It was referred to two committees, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for consideration. As it was only introduced, it has not yet been voted on or passed by either chamber of Congress.
- Has H.R. 8642 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 8642. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8642?
- H.R. 8642 was sponsored by Rep. Schweikert, David [R-AZ-6] (R-AZ), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8642?
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (20 Oct 2020).
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