Deadline Approaches: Medicare Telehealth Services Set to End on September 30
September 17, 2025
Medicare Telehealth Services Will Expire on September 30
As the deadline approaches, Congress only has until the end of September to renew the expanded Medicare telehealth services that have been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, telehealth was limited to specific patients with certain diagnoses and conditions. However, lawmakers took significant steps to make telehealth accessible to all beneficiaries during the crisis, and expanded the range of practitioners eligible to provide these services.
If these expanded telehealth services are not extended, access will significantly diminish for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those who are homebound or reside in rural areas. Beneficiaries would lose vital at-home and audio-only telehealth options, and non-physician practitioners, such as occupational therapists, would no longer be able to offer telehealth care. This shift could create substantial barriers to healthcare for many individuals who rely on these services.
A recent survey indicates that a significant number of healthcare providers are unprepared for the potential scaling back of services. Approximately 71 percent of providers reported being only “somewhat” prepared or not prepared at all for the changes. Alarmingly, more than 60 percent expressed concerns that vulnerable patients could lose access to telehealth services altogether, which could exacerbate existing health disparities.
The implications of this potential rollback are profound. Telehealth has proven to be a lifeline for many patients, allowing them to receive necessary medical care from the comfort of their homes. For those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas, the loss of telehealth options could mean the difference between receiving timely care and going without it. The convenience and accessibility of telehealth have made it an essential component of modern healthcare, and its expiration could lead to significant setbacks in patient care.
As the September 30 deadline looms, it is crucial for both lawmakers and healthcare providers to recognize the importance of maintaining these expanded telehealth services. The ongoing support for telehealth not only benefits patients but also helps alleviate the burden on healthcare systems by reducing the need for in-person visits. Advocates are urging Congress to act swiftly to ensure that these vital services remain available to all Medicare beneficiaries.
September 17, 2025
Medicare Telehealth Services Will Expire on September 30
As the deadline approaches, Congress only has until the end of September to renew the expanded Medicare telehealth services that have been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, telehealth was limited to specific patients with certain diagnoses and conditions. However, lawmakers took significant steps to make telehealth accessible to all beneficiaries during the crisis, and expanded the range of practitioners eligible to provide these services.
If these expanded telehealth services are not extended, access will significantly diminish for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those who are homebound or reside in rural areas. Beneficiaries would lose vital at-home and audio-only telehealth options, and non-physician practitioners, such as occupational therapists, would no longer be able to offer telehealth care. This shift could create substantial barriers to healthcare for many individuals who rely on these services.
A recent survey indicates that a significant number of healthcare providers are unprepared for the potential scaling back of services. Approximately 71 percent of providers reported being only “somewhat” prepared or not prepared at all for the changes. Alarmingly, more than 60 percent expressed concerns that vulnerable patients could lose access to telehealth services altogether, which could exacerbate existing health disparities.
The implications of this potential rollback are profound. Telehealth has proven to be a lifeline for many patients, allowing them to receive necessary medical care from the comfort of their homes. For those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas, the loss of telehealth options could mean the difference between receiving timely care and going without it. The convenience and accessibility of telehealth have made it an essential component of modern healthcare, and its expiration could lead to significant setbacks in patient care.
As the September 30 deadline looms, it is crucial for both lawmakers and healthcare providers to recognize the importance of maintaining these expanded telehealth services. The ongoing support for telehealth not only benefits patients but also helps alleviate the burden on healthcare systems by reducing the need for in-person visits. Advocates are urging Congress to act swiftly to ensure that these vital services remain available to all Medicare beneficiaries.
