Certain telehealth flexibilities extended through March 31

Many telehealth flexibilities established during the COVID-19 public health emergency were set to expire at the end of 2024. However, through the American Relief Act of 2025, Congress recently extended several key waivers that provide beneficiaries with expanded telehealth access options.

Telehealth services can be provided by all eligible Medicare providers through March 31, 2025. The waivers for geographic and site of service restrictions for non-behavioral/mental health services have also been extended through this date, and these services can be provided via audio-only communication platforms.

Federally qualified health centers (FQHC) and rural health clinics (RHC) can serve as Medicare distant site providers for non-behavioral/mental health services through March 31. FQHCs and RHCs are authorized to receive payment under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for telehealth encounters that meet certain technology criteria through December 31, 2025.

Several telehealth flexibilities for behavioral/mental health services have been made permanent, including the following:

• FQHCs, RHCs, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists can serve as Medicare distant site practitioners for these services
• Medicare patients can receive these services in their home
• There are no geographic restrictions for originating site for these services
• These services can be delivered using audio-only communication platforms

Patients will not be required to have an in-person visit within six months of their initial Medicare behavioral or mental health telehealth service, and annually thereafter, until March 31. For FQHCs and RHCs, the in-person visit requirement for mental health services furnished via communication technology to beneficiaries in their homes is not required until January 1, 2026.

Revenue integrity professionals can review HHS’ web page on telehealth policy updates for an overview of the waivers and their expiration dates. Monitor for additional CMS guidance and government action on telehealth policies.

Editor’s note: Find more NAHRI coverage of telehealth services here.