WHY IT MATTERS
The FY2025 Continuing Resolution passed earlier this month prevented a federal government shutdown and offered telehealth extensions for Medicare patients for another six months.
THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) praised the extension, stating, "We have avoided a shutdown for telehealth services… This is a big victory for telehealth, and a huge relief for patients and clinicians in every state and region of the United States, especially those in underserved communities."
EXTENSIONS AND ADDITIONS
The stopgap legislation also granted permission for telehealth visits to occur from a wider range of locations – including the patient’s home – and allowed additional qualified provider types to deliver virtual care.
CONCERNS RAISED
However, some healthcare organizations expressed concern about the shortened duration of the extension. "HIMSS strongly supports Congress’ inclusion of a short-term extension for telehealth services in the FY2025 Continuing Resolution, keeping vital access to care capabilities available to millions of Medicare patients," said a spokesperson. "However, more action is needed to extend the program beyond this fiscal year. We will continue pushing for a sustainable and long-term solution."
THE FUTURE OF TELEHEALTH
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) also expressed concern about the "telehealth cliff" and the exclusion of other essential telehealth programs that expired or were absent from the resolution. "The shortened duration of the extensions included are an impediment to long-term certainty, and the exclusion of other essential telehealth programs that expired or were absent from the final bill continues to prevent millions of individuals from accessing needed care," said Kyle Zebley, executive director of the American Telemedicine Association.
THE LARGER TREND
Telehealth has become vital to Medicare, particularly where patients use virtual care for behavioral health services. In October, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid released a study showing lower Medicare spending and lower mortality rates when compared to brick-and-mortar inpatient care.
ON THE RECORD
"We are also encouraged by Dr. Mehmet Oz’s comments at his Senate confirmation hearing. As President Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, he emphasized telehealth as ‘a major focus’ and confirmed ‘it’s one of the areas I think we’ll be able to make major inroads because there are no opponents to this,’" said Zebley.
CONCLUSION
The recent stopgap legislation extends telehealth flexibilities for Medicare patients until the end of September, but some healthcare organizations are concerned about the shortened duration and the exclusion of other essential telehealth programs. As the debate continues, it is clear that telehealth is a vital component of the healthcare system, and efforts to make it more accessible and sustainable are ongoing.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the FY2025 Continuing Resolution?
A: The FY2025 Continuing Resolution passed earlier this month prevented a federal government shutdown and offered telehealth extensions for Medicare patients for another six months.
Q: What are the concerns raised by healthcare organizations?
A: Some healthcare organizations are concerned about the shortened duration of the extension and the exclusion of other essential telehealth programs that expired or were absent from the resolution.
Q: What is the future of telehealth?
A: The future of telehealth is uncertain, but the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) is pushing for a sustainable and long-term solution to make telehealth access permanent for all Medicare beneficiaries.
Q: What is the role of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in telehealth?
A: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has not yet reflected the new legislative changes on its telehealth policy update page.
