Telehealth Provisions Extended Through 2025: What You Need to Know

Published in Government Relations on March 17, 2025

In a significant move for healthcare accessibility, the latest Continuing Resolution (CR) passed by Congress includes an extension of telehealth flexibilities and reimbursement policies. This extension, which runs through Sept. 30, 2025, ensures that millions of patients and healthcare providers can continue to benefit from telehealth services across the United States. 

Here’s a breakdown of the telehealth key provisions included in the CR: 

  • Waiver Of Geographic Requirements: Medicare beneficiaries can now access telehealth services regardless of their physical location, removing barriers for those in rural or underserved areas. 
  • Expanded Originating Sites: Patients can receive telehealth care from the comfort of their homes or other non-traditional settings, making healthcare more convenient and accessible. 
  • Broader Practitioner Eligibility: More healthcare professionals are now eligible to offer telehealth services, increasing the pool of providers and enhancing access to care. 
  • Support For Underserved Communities: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) are authorized to continue providing telehealth services, an essential resource for rural and underserved populations. 
  • Mental Health Services: The in-person visit requirement for telehealth mental health services has been postponed. Additionally, RHCs and FQHCs can extend their telehealth mental health offerings, ensuring continuity of care in this critical area. 
  • Audio-Only Telehealth Services: The authorization for audio-only telehealth services has been extended, which is particularly beneficial for elderly patients or those without access to video capabilities. 
  • Telehealth For Hospice Care: Healthcare providers can use telehealth for face-to-face encounters required before recertifying eligibility for hospice care, streamlining care for terminally ill patients. 

These measures represent a commitment to maintaining the momentum of telehealth adoption, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. By extending these provisions, Congress aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access for diverse populations, from rural communities to urban centers. 

As telehealth continues to evolve, these policies underscore the growing recognition of virtual care as an integral component of modern healthcare delivery. 

From Our Experts

Several Prominent Medicaid Provisions in Senate's Budget Bill Deemed in Violation of Byrd Rule thumbnail Several Prominent Medicaid Provisions in Senate's Budget Bill Deemed in Violation of Byrd Rule Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough advised this week that multiple Medicaid provisions in the Senate's reconciliation bill would violate Senate procedure by violating the Byrd Rule. The Byrd Rule is a Senate-specific procedural process that allows Senators to prevent or block inclusion of extraneous provisions in reconciliation bills. Other provisions are still under review. Evaluating the Value of a Payer Contract thumbnail Evaluating the Value of a Payer Contract In our last article, Key Payers Denied Your Application Citing Their Network Is Closed – Now What?, we discussed strategies for addressing payer contracting denials due to a closed network. As indicated, this process can be an extremely time-consuming exercise with no guarantees and mixed results. Below are a few things to consider as you evaluate whether a contract is worth the extra effort. Webinar: Webinar: "Navigating The New CMS Landscape: RADs, HMVs, and Supplier Survival" on June 25 at 1 p.m. CT. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its final National Coverage Determination (NCD) for RADs and HMVs used in treating chronic respiratory failure due to COPD. While the rule potentially expands access to bilevel ST therapy (RADs), it also introduces complex compliance requirements, tighter usage criteria, and increased documentation burdens—without additional reimbursement. The Return of Competitive Bidding thumbnail The Return of Competitive Bidding The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) appear to be laying the groundwork for another round of the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). While full implementation will take a couple of years, an official announcement is expected this summer—potentially as early as July. Out With The Old RAC, In With The New thumbnail Out With The Old RAC, In With The New On April 28, 2025, CMS awarded Cotiviti GOV Services LLC, the new RAC Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Region 3, 4, and 5 contracts. RAC Region 3 includes the following Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) jurisdictions: JJ, JM, and JN. RAC Region 4 includes jurisdictions: JE, JF, and JL. And RAC Region 5 includes jurisdictions: JA, JB, JC, JD, as well as the HH/H MACs: J6, J15, JK, and JM. Iowa Leads the Charge! All Four Representatives Back H.R. 2005—Will Your State Step Up? thumbnail Iowa Leads the Charge! All Four Representatives Back H.R. 2005—Will Your State Step Up? At VGM Group, Inc. we have the pleasure of serving our members and partners throughout the country.  One of the many ways we do this is through legislative advocacy, working with our partners to create a more equitable and effective healthcare system. All our VGM units are dedicated to advancing our partners' businesses, streamlining operations, and working every day to enhance reimbursement for the quality in-home healthcare our industry provides all people. Mike Hamilton Of ADMEA Honored With The Mal Mixon Advocate Award thumbnail Mike Hamilton Of ADMEA Honored With The Mal Mixon Advocate Award Last week, during the 2025 AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference, Mike Hamilton, Executive Director of ADMEA, was honored with the prestigious Mal Mixon Advocate Award. VGM Senior Leaders Engage in Advocacy at AAHomecare Legislative Conference thumbnail VGM Senior Leaders Engage in Advocacy at AAHomecare Legislative Conference This week, VGM leaders attended the AAHomecare Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., a premier event dedicated to advancing healthcare policy and advocacy. AAHomecare provided attendees with valuable insights, equipping them with key discussion points and strategies for effective meetings with legislators.