Jeff Lagasse
Misuse can result in administrative burdens for providers and delay needed medical intervention, the bill's authors said.
While the technology can be hugely beneficial, providers have to find the sweet spot when it comes to patients’ comfort levels.
Cigna says it expects demand for virtual care, especially for behavioral health services, to remain high post-pandemic.
Included is post-discharge meal delivery, transportation and up to six hours of in-home personal care.
Four patients remained hospitalized as of Wednesday, with one in intensive care, and three patients have died.
Not all of the money allocated to date has been distributed, and what has may not have been fully utilized by the recipients.
The funds will be used to provide services and emergency supplies, such as diapers, food, water and hand sanitizer.
The insurer's overall revenue reached $41 billion during the first quarter, driven in large part by its Evernorth health services unit.
The provider relief funds have been a lifeline for hospitals and health systems during the pandemic, AHA said.
Effective Thursday, the national average payment rate increased from $310 to $450 for most healthcare settings.