What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know About the Latest Medicare Flexibility Extensions

The federal government has officially reopened following the recent shutdown, bringing relief and important updates for healthcare professionals and policy watchers. As part of the reopening, significant developments regarding telehealth billing and Medicare flexibilities have been enacted that are crucial for providers to understand.

Legislative Update: Passage and Signing of H.R. 5371

On November 2025, Congress passed and the President signed H.R. 5371, a Continuing Resolution that ended the government shutdown. This legislation not only funds the government but also extends several Medicare telehealth flexibilities that were set to expire, ensuring continuity of care and operational stability for providers across the country.

Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through January 2026

H.R. 5371 extends select Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 30, 2026. This extension allows providers to continue delivering vital services remotely, supporting patient access and practice sustainability.

Detailed Flexibilities Extended

• Home as an Originating Site: Patients can receive telehealth services from their home, maintaining convenience and access.
• No Geographic Restrictions: The requirement that patients be located in rural or certain geographic areas to receive telehealth services is suspended, broadening eligibility nationwide.
• FQHCs and RHCs as Distant-Site Providers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) may continue to serve as distant-site telehealth providers, expanding care delivery options.
• Audio-Only Visits: Providers can bill for eligible audio-only telehealth visits, supporting patients who may lack video access.
• Telehealth for Hospice Recertification: Telehealth remains available for conducting hospice recertification assessments, streamlining care for seriously ill patients.
• Expanded Provider Eligibility: A wider range of practitioners, including therapists and allied health professionals, can continue to furnish telehealth services under Medicare.
• Acute Hospital Care at Home Program: The program allowing hospitals to provide inpatient-level care at home is extended, sustaining hospital capacity and patient-centered care.

Behavioral Health In-Person Visit Requirement Aligned

The requirement for an in-person visit prior to and during ongoing behavioral health telehealth services is also delayed until January 30, 2026. This alignment offers continuity for behavioral telehealth care without disrupting established patient relationships.

Looking Ahead: Pending CMS Guidance

While these extensions provide immediate clarity, further guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected. Upcoming updates will cover operational details, billing instructions, and any additional compliance requirements. Providers should stay tuned for future announcements to ensure continued adherence with federal policies.

In Short:

The extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities following the government shutdown offers critical support for healthcare delivery through January 2026. Providers are encouraged to review these changes on the CMS website, maintain compliance, and monitor for further CMS guidance.