Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through January 2026 Under H.R. 5371

President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5371 on November 12, 2025, temporarily extending key Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 1, 2026. This legislation reverses the rollback of pandemic-era telehealth rules that occurred due to a government shutdown, restoring the framework for telehealth services under Medicare fee-for-service. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to issue updated guidance on claims impacted by the rollback, including retroactive reimbursement and processing of suspended claims. While these extensions maintain many of the temporary policies established during the pandemic, they do not grant permanent status to these telehealth flexibilities. Providers and healthcare organizations should prepare for potential changes once the extension period expires. It is also noted that these telehealth flexibilities may vary by Medicare Advantage plans and differ for commercial payers and Medicaid based on state and payer terms.