Medicare Telehealth Flexibility Expires January 30 Unless Congress Acts

The latest extension of Medicare policies to expand use of telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency is slated to expire on January 30, 2026, according to a fact sheet issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Unless Congress acts, most Medicare telehealth services will require beneficiaries to be in a medical facility located in a rural area starting January 31, 2026. Behavioral health services are exempt from these restrictions. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists will no longer be able to furnish Medicare telehealth services. CMS discussed additional details in Telehealth FAQ . . .