Congress is moving to renew Medicare telehealth coverage for two years, extending pandemic-era provisions that allowed older Americans broader access to virtual healthcare. The extension, recently passed by the House, is expected to clear the Senate and will ensure that Medicare continues to reimburse healthcare providers for telehealth services through December 31, 2027.
Why This Matters
This decision comes after a period of uncertainty following the expiration of some telehealth waivers, which led to a reported 24% drop in virtual visits nationally, according to a Brown University review. The decline was even sharper in some states, demonstrating how quickly access to care can shift with policy changes. The extension is critical because it preserves flexibility for both patients and providers, allowing telehealth to be delivered in any location, including patients’ homes.
Key Drivers and Industry Support
The push for continued telehealth access has been backed by a coalition of healthcare organizations, including the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and the America Medical Association (AMA). The ATA highlighted the bipartisan support for the legislation, noting the involvement of major telehealth companies such as Amazon, Hims & Hers, Teladoc Health, and Lifepoint Health. These companies, along with others, have expanded telehealth services in recent years, and the extension ensures continued financial viability for these platforms.
Historical Context and CMS Role
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) first introduced temporary telehealth reimbursement in March 2020 to facilitate remote care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The original intent was to reduce exposure risk for seniors while ensuring continued access to healthcare. While some stakeholders pushed for a permanent extension, the two-year renewal represents a significant step forward in preserving telehealth as a viable care option.
“Confirming these extensions is the right thing to do, and we trust that our telehealth champions in both chambers will continue to do the right thing to preserve access to care for millions of Americans,” said Alexis Apple, deputy executive director of ATA Action.
Looking Ahead
The extension maintains the current flexibility in telehealth delivery, allowing providers to serve patients in their homes rather than requiring visits to healthcare facilities. The decision reflects a growing recognition that telehealth is not just a temporary solution but a valuable part of modern healthcare delivery. The two-year extension will allow policymakers time to evaluate long-term data and determine the future of telehealth reimbursement in Medicare.
