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Makes certain Medicare telehealth rules permanent by removing date limits tied to the COVID-19 public health emergency, so originating-site and certain geographic flexibilities for telehealth can continue to apply after the emergency period ends. The bill changes statutory wording in the Medicare telehealth payment rule to replace specific end-dates with open-ended language that refers to actions after the emergency period.
The bill preserves and clarifies Medicare telehealth flexibilities to maintain access and reduce administrative friction, while raising risks of higher program spending and reduced in-person care for some patients.
Medicare beneficiaries retain access to expanded telehealth options because originating-site and geographic flexibilities continue to apply after the emergency period.
Hospitals and clinicians can continue billing under the post-emergency telehealth rules and CMS has clearer statutory authority to apply those rules, reducing administrative uncertainty and simplifying implementation.
Medicare spending may increase because telehealth flexibilities are made open-ended, which could raise program costs or put upward pressure on premiums/taxes paid by taxpayers.
Some Medicare beneficiaries may receive less in-person care as permanent telehealth flexibilities reduce face-to-face visits, risking missed physical examinations or continuity problems for conditions that require in-person assessment.
Introduced February 18, 2025 by Vernon G. Buchanan · Last progress February 18, 2025