Recent federal legislation has extended key telehealth flexibilities for Medicare patients, offering a measure of stability to a rapidly evolving area of healthcare. The extensions, included in a , spending bill signed into law by President Trump, avert potential disruptions to care that would have occurred as temporary waivers expired.
Maintaining Access to Virtual Care
The legislation renews provisions allowing Medicare beneficiaries to access telehealth services from anywhere in the United States and its territories, including their homes. This removes geographic restrictions that previously limited telehealth access, particularly for individuals in rural or underserved communities. These flexibilities were initially implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency and have proven invaluable in maintaining continuity of care, especially following the government shutdown in late 2025.
The extensions apply to a range of telehealth services, including those delivered via audio-only connections. This represents particularly important for patients who may lack access to broadband internet or the technology needed for video conferencing. The American Medical Association (AMA) has strongly advocated for the continuation of these flexibilities and continues to push for a permanent authorization of these policies.
Looking Ahead: A Looming Policy Cliff
While the current extension provides relief, it’s a temporary solution. The flexibilities are now set to expire on , creating a potential “policy cliff” in . This means that unless Congress acts again, Medicare telehealth coverage will revert to pre-pandemic restrictions. The AMA and other healthcare stakeholders are actively working to prevent this outcome and secure a long-term, sustainable telehealth policy.
Financial Incentives for Value-Based Care
Beyond telehealth, the spending bill includes provisions aimed at strengthening value-based care. A -expired 3.1% bonus for physicians participating in Medicare alternative payment models (APMs) will be restored for one year. This incentive is designed to encourage physicians to adopt APMs, which reward quality and efficiency rather than volume of services. Restoring this bonus is expected to reduce barriers to entry and bolster physician participation in these models.
Expanding Access to Diabetes Prevention Programs
The legislation also expands access to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP). For the first time, the program will include Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recognized virtual diabetes prevention programs on a trial basis, running through . This expansion addresses longstanding access barriers created by in-person participation requirements and aims to improve access for Medicare beneficiaries in rural and underserved communities. The inclusion of virtual programs recognizes the potential of technology to deliver effective preventative care to a wider population.
Impact on Patients and Physicians
These changes represent a significant win for both patients and physicians. The extension of telehealth flexibilities ensures continued access to convenient and affordable care, particularly for those with mobility issues, chronic conditions, or limited access to healthcare facilities. The restoration of the APM bonus incentivizes physicians to focus on delivering high-quality, value-based care. The expansion of the MDPP offers a proactive approach to preventing diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions of Americans.
The government shutdown in late 2025 highlighted the importance of maintaining continuity of care, and these provisions aim to prevent similar disruptions in the future. However, the looming expiration date in underscores the need for ongoing advocacy and legislative action to ensure that telehealth remains a permanent part of the Medicare program.
The passage of this bill demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to improving healthcare access and quality. It reflects a growing recognition of the value of telehealth and value-based care models in transforming the healthcare landscape. As these programs continue to evolve, ongoing evaluation and refinement will be crucial to maximizing their impact and ensuring that they meet the needs of patients and physicians alike.
