Pew Calls on Policymakers to Look Beyond Pandemic With Telehealth Regulations

In an issue brief published on Tuesday, Pew Charitable Trusts called on state policymakers and Medicaid agencies to increase access to opioid use disorder treatment via telehealth by making temporary remote flexibilities created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic permanent fixtures once the pandemic public health emergency declaration is lifted.

Research has shown that patients receiving remote care have treatment retention and illicit opioid abstinence rates “at levels comparable to those who receive care in person,” and clinicians who have used telehealth-based solutions during the pandemic have reported improved access to care and convenience for patients, Pew noted.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) granted states increased flexibility regarding the provision of OUD-related treatment services via telehealth, as social distancing directives limited in-person interactions. In its brief issued on Tuesday, Pew offered the following recommendations for making such flexibility a more long-term solution:

Reimburse providers equally for in-person and telehealth services. Both Medicaid programs and private insurers should ensure OUD treatment services are reimbursable when delivered via telehealth, and states should also reimburse providers for such services at the same rates as if the services were delivered in person, Pew said. Furthermore, Pew recommends that providers who offer services in person be reimbursed for providing services via telehealth.

Expand how patients can access telehealth-based services. During the pandemic, patients and providers have benefited from certain OUD treatment services to be conducted over the phone instead of through audio-visual technology. Particularly to help older patients and others who may not have access to such technology, states should continue to allow audio-based services, Pew said.

Overcome barriers to telehealth expansion. States should take advantage of technical assistance and other resources available through the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, improve broadband availability by tapping into American Rescue Plan Act funding, and more closely monitor quality control of telehealth-based service, Pew said.

Pew has also recommended expanding the list of locations where patients can receive OUD treatment services via telehealth (including in homes), and enabling correctional facilities to use telehealth for OUD treatment.

The full issue brief is available on the Pew Charitable Trusts website.