🏥Extension of Flexibility in Evaluating Healthcare Claims to 2029
Further Extension of the Flexibility in Evaluating “Close Proximity of Time” To Evaluate Ongoing Changes in Healthcare
Summary
We are extending the flexibility in the "close proximity of time" standard, as defined in two prior temporary final rules (TFR), through May 11, 2029. We issued a TFR providing the "close proximity of time" flexibility on July 23, 2021, because the COVID-19 national public health emergency (PHE) caused many individuals to experience barriers that prevented them from timely accessing in-person healthcare. On September 29, 2023, we extended the flexibility to evaluate evolving healthcare practices and consumption in a post-PHE environment. We determined that we need additional time to fully evaluate still-evolving healthcare practices after the PHE. We are therefore issuing this TFR to extend the "close proximity of time" flexibility until May 11, 2029, so we can continue to evaluate changes in healthcare practices and determine the proper "close proximity of time" standard for the musculoskeletal disorders listings.
Agencies
- Social Security Administration
Business Impact
$$ - Med
This regulatory change extends the evaluation period for musculoskeletal disorders under Social Security Administration rules, which may impact the way businesses related to healthcare and telehealth services operate. The flexibility in the "close proximity of time" standard (effective until 2029) allows businesses to adapt to ongoing changes in healthcare access and provision, affecting compliance and support for disability claims.