Is Medicare Ending Telehealth in 2025? Details on Extended Waivers and Possible Exceptions

With Medicare telehealth services expanding significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans are wondering: Is Medicare ending telehealth in 2025?

While some temporary policies will expire, Congress has extended key provisions to ensure continued access to virtual healthcare—at least for now. The American Relief Act, 2025, signed into law by President Joe Biden, includes a temporary extension of Medicare telehealth waivers that were originally set to end in 2024. These provisions will remain in place until March 31, 2025.

Extensions

Several important telehealth policies have been extended, allowing Medicare beneficiaries to continue accessing virtual care without interruption.

Expanded Access

Patients can still receive virtual care from home for general medical and mental health services, ensuring easier access to healthcare.

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No Geographic Restrictions

Medicare will not impose location-based limitations, meaning patients in both rural and urban areas can use telehealth services.

More Eligible Providers

A wider range of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and mental health counselors, can continue offering telehealth services.

Audio-Only Services

Patients without access to video platforms can still have consultations with healthcare providers over the phone.

Mental Health Flexibility

For rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers, the requirement for an in-person visit within six months of a patient’s first telehealth appointment has been waived until January 1, 2026.

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Services

While many telehealth services will continue, some flexibilities will not be renewed after December 31, 2024. This means certain services will no longer be covered by Medicare.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Remote rehabilitation services for heart and lung conditions will no longer be reimbursed. Patients requiring these therapies may need to visit healthcare facilities in person.

HSA Restrictions

High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) will no longer be able to provide first-dollar telehealth coverage without affecting a patient’s HSA eligibility.

Rural

Telehealth has played a crucial role in providing medical care to individuals in rural communities, reducing travel time and increasing healthcare accessibility. Fortunately, some policies have been made permanent.

Rural Clinics and Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) will permanently serve as distant-site providers for behavioral and mental health services.

Mental Health Services from Home

Patients can continue receiving behavioral health treatments remotely, with no geographic restrictions.

Audio-Only Telehealth for Mental Health

Healthcare providers can permanently deliver mental health services using audio-only communication when video access is unavailable.

Future

The temporary telehealth extensions are set to expire on March 31, 2025, meaning further legislative action will be needed to determine long-term policies.

Lawmakers will have to decide whether to extend these provisions again or introduce new regulations for Medicare telehealth coverage.

For Medicare beneficiaries who rely on virtual healthcare, staying informed about policy changes is essential. Consulting healthcare providers about potential impacts on coverage can help individuals plan for future healthcare needs.

While telehealth remains available for now, its long-term future will depend on upcoming decisions from Congress.

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