Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Amid Calls for Permanent Solutions

The recent extension of pandemic-related telehealth flexibilities until September 30, 2025, was made possible by the passing of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act 2025. This legislation allows for the continuation of several healthcare services, including telehealth waivers that enable face-to-face recertifications through telehealth. While health care providers have welcomed this extension, many, including Julia Mirich from Telehealth Access for America, emphasize the necessity of a permanent solution for telehealth access for Medicare patients, which remains uncertain in the long term.
Several health care organizations have jointly urged Congress to ensure that these telehealth waivers become permanent, particularly highlighting the importance of maintaining face-to-face flexibility that has improved patient care and reduced burdens on providers. Stakeholders like Kyle Zebley from the American Telemedicine Association note that while this extension is a step forward, it does not provide long-term certainty and fails to include other vital telehealth provisions that millions rely on.
Despite the law extending telehealth provisions temporarily, advocacy for a more permanent solution remains critical as stakeholders continue to recognize the role telehealth plays in modern healthcare delivery, especially for underserved populations in rural areas. The nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead CMS has raised hope for more advancements in telehealth policies that prioritize patient access and satisfaction.