Telehealth Update: Flexibilities Extended Through December 2027

Congress has passed a bipartisan funding bill that extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2027. This means we can continue delivering care via video and audio-only visits under current reimbursement models without interruption.

Highlights of the bill include:

• Extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2027
• Preservation of audio-only telehealth coverage for eligible services
• Continued allowance for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics to serve as distant site providers
• Ongoing waiver of geographic and originating site restrictions, which means patients may continue to receive telehealth services from home or any other location, regardless of rural status
• Expanded provider types remain eligible, including therapists, social workers, and other non-physician providers
• Extension of in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation flexibilities through Jan. 1, 2028
• New requirement for Health and Human Services to issue guidance on delivering telehealth to patients with limited English proficiency
• Inclusion of virtual suppliers in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program through Dec. 31, 2029
• Five-year extension of the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program through Sept. 30, 2030 (Note: Carilion does not currently participate in this model)

Next Steps

We will maintain full telehealth operations. In-person visits, video visits, and audio-only visits will remain at current reimbursement levels. Our teams are closely monitoring federal developments and claim trends.

If you have questions, visit the Digital Health Hub or contact the Digital Health team at digital_health@carilionclinic.org.