Congress Extends Medicare Telehealth Coverage For Two Years
Summary
President Trump has enacted a two-year extension of telehealth services for older adults under Medicare, enhancing access to healthcare for seniors. This significant move aims to improve health outcomes and convenience for the aging population.
Key Insights
What specific Medicare telehealth flexibilities are extended, and what happens after they expire?
The extended flexibilities allow Medicare to cover telehealth services from anywhere in the U.S., including patients' homes, using audio-video or audio-only for non-mental health services, through January 30, 2026. After expiration on January 31, 2026, coverage reverts to pre-pandemic rules requiring patients to be in rural areas at originating sites, with exceptions for mental health, stroke treatment, and ESRD dialysis visits.
Does this extension apply to Medicare Advantage plans or other payers?
The extension applies specifically to Original Medicare (fee-for-service); Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least what Original Medicare does but may offer more flexibilities. Medicaid and private payers are not automatically affected, as they set their own policies.