Prairie State Wire

Several Medicare telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic are set to expire on September 30, 2025, unless Congress takes further action. These measures were previously extended from an earlier expiration date of March 31, 2025.

The current extension allows Medicare patients to receive non-behavioral and mental healthcare services via telehealth in their homes without geographic restrictions. It also permits physicians to conduct telehealth mental health consultations with Medicare patients without a prior in-person meeting. Additionally, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) can continue serving as distant site providers for non-behavioral or mental telehealth services and receive payment for these services.

Audio-only telehealth visits remain reimbursable for non-behavioral or mental health care when patients either decline in-person appointments or lack audio-video technology. Physicians may also use telehealth to meet with patients before hospice care recertification.

Despite the extension, there is uncertainty among healthcare professionals regarding future investments in virtual care due to unpredictable reimbursement policies. "While this reprieve was good news, short-term extension creates uncertainty for healthcare professionals, including those who may not further invest in virtual care if reimbursements are unpredictable," according to the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS).

It is important to note that the flexibility allowing prescription of schedule II-V controlled substances via telemedicine—without a prior in-person visit—will remain until December 31, 2025.

ISMS stated it will provide updates as new information becomes available and encourages inquiries through its Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.