During the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, all 50 states and the District of Columbia transitioned to telemedicine, in part due to state emergency orders that mandated the coverage of telehealth visits and waived requirements for out-of-state medical licenses. At the same time, many commercial insurers and government payers expanded telehealth coverage, with many for the first time offering to pay or reimburse for virtual visits at the same rate they did in-person visits.
Telemedicine exploded! According to CDC data, telehealth visits were 154% higher during the last week of March 2020 than the same time period a year earlier.1
Time has run out—we’re experiencing telehealth rollbacks and, this has the potential to harm patients and their care. Considering how beneficial it was to have flexible telehealth measures throughout the early stages of the pandemic, patients find it surprising that stronger efforts aren’t underway to advocate for continued access to telehealth. On the flip side, some doctors believe there isn’t a substitute for in-person treatments and worry that conditions will go misdiagnosed.
But despite this increased use of telehealth, many state emergency orders have already expired—and several insurers have also rolled back expanded telehealth provisions. As of November 2021, 25 states had already ended the emergency declarations that were in place earlier in the pandemic.2
With access to telehealth services at risk, there’s a concern for patients who depend on the flexibility and expanded care options.2 A large portion of patients take medications that doctors have monitored via videoconference throughout the pandemic. With telehealth visits ending but the pandemic still a concern, patients are opting to skip appointments and medications putting themselves at risk.
The future of the pandemic and the corresponding telemedicine remain uncertain. New legislation or a hybrid solution could be the answer, but in the meantime, patients are scrambling to get the healthcare they need.3 If you find yourself in this situation, it’s imperative that you work out a solution until the industry provides one.
Healthcare needs to be a top priority for everyone and we’re here to help with coverage options and even contacts to industry experts. If you have questions or need help, please call our office right away at (540) 720-5656.
Adapted from Healthcare IT News1
Adapted from Advisory Board2
Adapted from NPR3
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter.