CMS Delays Remote Monitoring Staffing Rule to 2029 After Provider Pushback
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Nov 5
CMS Delays Remote Monitoring Staffing Rule to 2029 After Provider Pushback
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Nov 5
Summary
Jan. 1, 2029 is the new start date for a CMS rule requiring doctors and hospitals to use their own staff—not outside contractors—to qualify for Medicare remote patient monitoring payments.
The agency pushed the change back two years from Jan. 1, 2027 after objections from providers, monitoring vendors and lawmakers who said the rule could limit a service CMS had previously promoted.
Marsha Blackburn and Mark Warner warned in September that rural communities could be hit hardest because many providers lack enough staff; 32 House Democrats and Republicans sent a similar letter last month.
Other remote patient monitoring payment changes still take effect in 2027, including revised reimbursement values and a requirement that providers offer the service only to established patients.
Will delaying remote patient monitoring rules protect rural healthcare access, or simply allow rampant Medicare fraud to continue unchecked until 2029?
Why did the VA electronic health record contract balloon to $27 billion, and what does this mean for the future of veteran care?
Can artificial intelligence and philanthropic funding successfully overhaul public health infrastructure where traditional government initiatives have stalled?