Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through 2026
Federal policy will continue to support telehealth, with Medicare flexibilities extended into 2026. The extension preserves remote access to maternal and behavioral health services for both Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries. This policy is seen as a critical measure for serving rural and underserved communities, particularly amid healthcare workforce shortages.
- The a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a- The recent extension of telehealth flexibilities was part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which continued these policies through December 31, 2024. This legislation effectively separated the telehealth extensions from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, providing more certainty for providers and patients. - Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare would only pay for telehealth services under limited circumstances, often requiring the patient to be in a designated rural area and at a medical facility. The pandemic-era waivers, now extended, allow beneficiaries to receive telehealth services in their homes and remove geographic restrictions. - For behavioral and mental health services, the extension delays the requirement for an in-person visit within six months of the initial telehealth service and annually thereafter. Audio-only telehealth services for non-behavioral and mental health are also permitted to continue. - Telehealth is seen as a critical tool to combat healthcare workforce shortages, which are projected to reach up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. It allows for more efficient staffing models and can help reduce clinician burnout, a factor that has led nearly half a million healthcare workers to leave their jobs since February 2020. - Studies focusing on maternal health in rural areas have shown that telehealth can increase the number of prenatal care visits, improve monitoring for preventable conditions, and increase patient satisfaction. This is particularly significant as over half of rural counties in the U.S. lack obstetric services. - The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) establishes the scope of practice for Certified Nurse-Midwives, which includes primary care, gynecologic services, and care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Expanded telehealth access directly impacts how midwives can deliver this comprehensive care, especially in underserved regions. - While telehealth utilization has decreased from its peak of 47% of Medicare beneficiaries in the second quarter of 2020, it remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 15% of beneficiaries accessing services in the second quarter of 2022. In the last quarter of 2023, over 12.6% of Medicare beneficiaries had a telehealth visit. - The extension allows a broader range of healthcare professionals to provide telehealth services, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. This expansion aims to improve access to a wider variety of healthcare services for Medicare beneficiaries.
