HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved House Bill 1590, bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Dan Williams (D-Chester) that aims to expand access to telehealth for behavioral health services. The bill aligns state regulations with new federal Medicaid rules, removing outdated barriers that have limited care, particularly in rural areas.
For years, the “four walls” requirement restricted Medicaid reimbursement to services provided within the physical confines of a clinic, excluding virtual care options. This regulation, critics argued, placed unnecessary constraints on patients and health providers.
“The longstanding and outdated ‘four walls’ requirement has limited Medicaid reimbursement to services within the physical walls of a clinic,” said Rep. Williams. “This only creates barriers to care, particularly in rural areas and regions experiencing mental health workforce shortages.”
Federal reforms from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, effective January 1, allow states to waive this restriction. Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services has already submitted a State Plan Amendment to adopt the federal flexibility, pending final federal approval.
House Bill 1590 clears the way for Pennsylvania to fully implement these changes, eliminating conflicting state regulations while maintaining existing rules that require in-person treatment hours for outpatient behavioral health clinics. The goal is to enhance access to behavioral health services through telehealth, particularly for vulnerable populations facing systemic barriers to care.
“Under this bill, Pennsylvania can fully implement the change, expanding access to behavioral health services and reducing care gaps for our vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth,” Williams emphasized.
The legislation now heads to the state Senate for consideration. If passed, it would mark an important step in addressing Pennsylvania’s behavioral health needs, leveraging innovation to improve outcomes and bridge gaps in care systems.
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