CMS Proposes 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Changes for Telehealth

On July 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed physician fee schedule (PFS) rule for calendar year 2026, outlining significant changes to telehealth services reimbursement under Medicare.

The proposal includes revisions to the Medicare Telehealth Services List review process, telehealth service frequency limitations, and an updated definition of direct supervision for telehealth visits. These changes indicate CMS's intent to permanently integrate certain telehealth flexibilities originally implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency into standard Medicare policy.

Notably, CMS is focusing on codifying telehealth delivery practices deemed low risk to program integrity, reflecting an ongoing shift in healthcare delivery toward increased use of remote services. The proposal invites industry stakeholders to submit feedback by September 12, 2025, emphasizing the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding telehealth. The sustainability of these telehealth flexibilities will also hinge on forthcoming legislative actions expected in the near term. CMS’s review process involves assessing the clinical equivalence of telehealth services compared to in-person care and mapping new services to those with permanent status. Providers, payers, and healthcare organizations should closely monitor these developments, as the finalized rule will impact compliance, reimbursement, and operational protocols for Medicare telehealth services moving forward.

Future updates will be provided as CMS continues to refine telehealth regulations in response to stakeholder input and legislative changes.