Medicare Telehealth Benefits in Jeopardy

If Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution by September 30, Medicare telehealth benefits originally established during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will expire. This means telehealth services would be prohibited for Medicare beneficiaries who do not live in rural areas. Home-based telehealth services would no longer be reimbursed, and patients would be required to travel to a medical facility to receive Medicare telehealth. The Acute Hospital Care at Home Program would expire along with the ability to provide audio-only visits as well.

Due to the uncertainty of Congress, physicians currently furnishing Medicare telehealth services may want to adjust patient schedules.