Medicaid Telehealth Policy in Marginalized Communities: Perspectives From Virginia Patients and Providers.

Abstract

We sought to understand stakeholder experience with telehealth services, through interviews with patients, providers, and health plans, to inform Medicaid policy after the COVID-19 public health emergency. Our primary aim was to examine whether and how such telehealth policies affect equitable care delivery and to uncover any remaining policy gaps. Applying the Framework for Digital Health Equity our study identified digital determinants that operate at the individual, interpersonal, community and societal levels. Across respondents, telehealth expansion was viewed as overwhelmingly positive and noted as a significant contributor to increased access among marginalized, minoritized, and rural Medicaid participants in this study. Despite these strengths, patients and health care providers identified several challenges and recommendations.