On April 5, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it had finalized policies which will increase plan choices and benefits, including allowing Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to include additional telehealth benefits. The new rules will eliminate geographical restrictions on telehealth access and telemedicine services in MA plans by 2020. Where only those living in rural locations could access connected health technology previously, the new rules enable those who live in urban areas to also utilize the advanced technology and services. Therefore, MA users, regardless of where they live, will soon have the ability to access healthcare from the comfort of their own homes. The potential influx of additional users could have a significant impact on existing telehealth systems and create a need for expansion, particularly if private insurers also expand telemedicine benefits.

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