Telehealth Advocates Press Congress for Permanent Medicare Virtual Care Policies

2025-11-07 digitalcare

Washington, D.C., Friday, 7 November 2025.
Over 450 organizations urge Congress to establish lasting telehealth policies as temporary flexibilities from the pandemic face expiration amid a government shutdown, impacting millions reliant on virtual care.

The Push for Permanent Policies

In a significant move to secure the future of telehealth, more than 450 telehealth and provider organizations have united to urge Congress to establish permanent policies for Medicare telehealth services. This collective effort is driven by the impending expiration of temporary telemedicine flexibilities that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure continued healthcare access while minimizing in-person contact [1]. These flexibilities are set to expire at the end of 2025, raising concerns about the continuity of care for millions of Americans who have become reliant on virtual healthcare services [2].

Impact of the Government Shutdown

The urgency of this appeal is magnified by the current political climate, which is characterized by a historic government shutdown that has stretched into its second month. This shutdown has not only delayed legislative processes but also exacerbated the uncertainty surrounding Medicare telehealth flexibilities. Congress’s failure to extend these flexibilities by the September 30, 2025, deadline has left many providers and patients in a precarious position [1][3]. Telehealth advocates argue that without a long-term solution, the temporary extensions leave the healthcare system vulnerable to disruptions, undermining the accessibility and quality of care provided to patients across the nation [4].

Technological and Healthcare Integration

The integration of technology and healthcare through telehealth has proven to be a transformative force, especially during the pandemic. Organizations like the Alliance for Connected Care are pushing for a legal and regulatory framework that allows for safe, high-quality telehealth services across the United States [5]. Virtual care not only offers convenience but also reduces appointment cancellations, frees up hospital beds, and helps bridge healthcare divides, particularly in underserved areas [6]. This push for telehealth is supported by data showing that most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover telemedicine visits, further underscoring the need for permanent policy solutions [7].

Future Directions and Challenges

Looking ahead, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced changes that could complicate the provision of telehealth services from alternative locations for Medicare-enrolled practitioners [5]. Despite these challenges, the final rule for the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule includes provisions to advance telehealth policies, allowing permanent virtual direct supervision and lifting frequency limits for hospital inpatient and nursing facility visits via telehealth [8]. As stakeholders continue to advocate for legislative action, the need for a balanced approach that ensures both regulatory compliance and the flexibility to innovate will be crucial in shaping the future of telehealth in the United States.

Bronnen

telehealth Medicare