Summary
Changes to Medicare coverage starting next month will impact telehealth services. Temporary telehealth options extended during the COVID-19 pandemic will now continue until January 30, 2026. After this date, these flexibilities may end unless Congress decides to extend them again.
Key Facts
- Medicare telehealth extensions, introduced during COVID-19, will continue until January 30, 2026.
- These changes were part of a larger legislative act enacted during a government shutdown.
- People who paid out-of-pocket for telehealth during a lapse in coverage may now be eligible for refunds.
- Over 66 million Americans use Medicare for health services yearly.
- Telehealth services help those in rural areas or with mobility issues access medical care.
- After January 30, 2026, telehealth flexibilities will end unless further extended by Congress.
- A new artificial intelligence pilot program for Medicare will start in six states next year, managing requests for certain medical procedures.
