Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Until September 30, 2025
Medicare telehealth flexibilities have been extended until September 30, 2025, allowing broader access to virtual care from patients' homes and other locations, though challenges in funding parity with in-person services persist.
Published on March 28, 2025
Congress has extended Medicare telehealth flexibilities until September 30, 2025 as part of a Continuing Resolution aimed at averting a government shutdown. This extension allows Medicare beneficiaries to access telehealth services from home and other locations, broadening the scope of synchronous virtual care to include more provider types such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. Notably, audio-only communications continue to be an option, ensuring broader accessibility for patients.
The new provisions, effective as of March 2025, build on COVID-era waivers that had temporarily expanded telehealth services. However, while the expansion enhances timely and convenient care, disparities in funding for telehealth versus in-person visits remain—particularly affecting rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers. As the federal government adapts post-pandemic measures, health care organizations are preparing for the eventual adjustment of telehealth policies beyond this extended period.