On March 15, 2025, President Trump signed an ongoing resolution to avoid government closures, including a crucial six-month extension of Medicare Telehealth flexibility until September 30, 2025. This is a positive development, but it highlights the continued uncertainty surrounding Medicare's long-term telehealth policy. This is an issue that Congress must address with a more permanent solution. The healthcare industry is increasingly underscoring the need for long-term planning, investment in telehealth infrastructure, and certainty of regulations to support sustained access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.
What does extension mean for providers?
Medicare providers will continue to operate under existing telehealth flexibility for another six months. This means:
There are no geographic or site restrictions – Medicare beneficiaries can receive telehealth services regardless of their location, including their home. Expanded Practitioner Eligibility – A wider range of healthcare providers, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and language-language pathologists, can continue to provide telehealth services. Audio-Only Services Coverage – Medicare maintains refunds for certain audio-only visits that are important to reach patients without reliable broadband access. Hospital- and facility-based telehealth – Flexibility allows hospitals and health systems to use telehealth for specific home and outpatient services. FQHCS and RHCS Participation – Federal-qualified health centers and rural health clinics will continue to provide telehealth services and ensure access in underserved areas. Mental Health Flexibility – The face-to-face assessment requirements for mental health services provided through telehealth have been postponed, allowing patients to continue receiving mental health care through telehealth.
For provider groups that have invested heavily in hospitals, health systems and telehealth infrastructure, this extension provides short-term stability. However, uncertainty after September 2025 remains an urgent concern.
Industry perspective on the need for regulatory certainty
Since the expansion of telehealth use in Medicare, healthcare providers, hospitals and technology developers have adopted care delivery models and have invested heavily in telehealth infrastructure. Many industry stakeholders highlight the following considerations as Congress continues to evaluate the long-term future of Medicare Telehealth Policy:
Regulatory stability for long-term decision-making – Healthcare organizations make strategic decisions ranging from workforce planning to technology investment based on long-term regulations and expectations of reimbursement. Without a decisive, long-term Medicare telehealth policy, providers need to plan within uncertain frameworks and create challenges for making sustainable investments. Access to care for a scarce population and rural areas – Telehealth has played a key role in expanding access to care, particularly for rural and underserved populations that may face geographical, transport or mobility barriers. Healthcare providers serving these communities emphasize the importance of telehealth in maintaining access to primary care, professional services and mental health care. Given the growing dependence on telehealth among Medicare beneficiaries, there is an industry interest in ensuring continued access to these services beyond temporary expansion. Digital Health Innovation and Growth – Telehealth's expansion supports innovation across the healthcare industry, from remote patient monitoring to AI-driven clinical documentation tools. Industry stakeholders point out that uncertainty about Medicare's long-term telehealth policy could impact investments in emerging digital health solutions as healthcare organizations and technology developers assess future regulatory and reimbursement environments.
What's next? Promoting permanent reform
With clocks ticking towards the new deadline of September 30, 2025, major healthcare organizations are advocating for permanent legislative measures. The American Telehealth Association (ATA) and the American Hospital Association (AHA) continue to urge Congress to solidify telehealth's place in modern healthcare, highlighting its role in expanding access, improving outcomes and addressing a shortage of providers. Similarly, several bipartisan efforts have begun to establish a permanent telehealth policy.
1. Distant Vision Modernization Act 2024 (HR 7623)
The bill is attempting to forever expand the flexibility of certain telehealths that were first approved during the Covid-19 public health emergency.
2. Create opportunities for necessary and effective care technologies (connections) for the 2023 health law (HR 4189; S. 2016)
The bill proposes expanding coverage for telehealth services under Medicare. The company aims to remove geographic restrictions and expand outbound sites that include patients receiving telehealth services from home.
3. Preservation of Telehealth, Hospitals and Ambulance Access Act (HR 8261)
The bill aims to expand the flexibility of major telehealths through 2026, including provisions for hospital home programs and ambulance services.
While there appears to be bipartisan support to recognize telehealth as a key component of modern healthcare delivery, long-term solutions are important to ensure that telehealth remains a viable and effective care delivery option for Medicare beneficiaries over 2025.
Stakeholders, including hospitals, health systems, provider groups, and digital health technology companies, continue to urge Congress to pass permanent telehealth laws that maintain access to Congress, ensure fair refunds and provide regulatory clarity.
