Congress Extends Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Until September 2025
Washington, D.C., Monday, 17 March 2025.
Telehealth CEOs welcome Congress’ temporary extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities, emphasizing the need for permanent changes to ensure equitable access for all Americans.
Critical Legislative Action
In a decisive move last week, Congress passed a continuing resolution that extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through September 30, 2025 [1][5]. The resolution, approved on March 9, 2025, encompasses several crucial healthcare provisions, including enhanced low-volume adjustments and Medicare-dependent hospital programs [1]. This legislative action comes at a critical juncture, as telehealth flexibilities were set to expire on March 15, 2025 [5].
Expanded Access and Coverage
The continuing resolution introduces significant expansions to telehealth accessibility. Key updates include an expanded definition of originating sites and an increased roster of eligible clinicians, alongside the vital inclusion of telehealth services in health centers [5]. Notably, the resolution maintains the waiver of specific in-person requirements for mental healthcare services [5]. However, several important provisions remain excluded, such as first-dollar coverage for High-Deductible Health Plan Health Savings Accounts and in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services [5].
Industry Leadership Perspectives
Healthcare executives have responded positively to the extension while emphasizing the need for permanent solutions. Knownwell CEO Brooke Boyarsky Pratt highlights the significance for seniors beyond rural areas, noting the impact on patients with mobility and transportation challenges [1]. Culina Health’s CEO Vanessa Rissetto advocates for permanent telehealth coverage across government programs, emphasizing its role in advancing health equity across demographic boundaries [1]. Laurent Marinot of Sunrise points to the fundamental shift in healthcare expectations post-pandemic, urging policymakers to ensure continued accessibility regardless of socioeconomic factors [1].
Future Implications
The American Telemedicine Association’s advocacy arm, ATA Action, has celebrated this legislative victory while acknowledging the temporary nature of the solution [4]. The extension reflects telehealth’s continued bipartisan support [5], though stakeholders emphasize the necessity of developing permanent solutions to prevent potential disruptions in care access [1]. This extension provides a crucial buffer period for policymakers and healthcare providers to address long-term telehealth integration into the American healthcare system [4].