Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through 2027 in New Federal Law

On February 3, 2026, President Trump signed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, a comprehensive funding package that ended the recent four-day partial government shutdown and included a significant extension of Medicare telehealth policies that had recently expired on January 31, 2026.

Originally created as temporary pandemic-era measures, these telehealth flexibilities removed geographic and originating-site restrictions so that Medicare beneficiaries could access care from home, expanded the types of practitioners eligible to bill for telehealth, and allowed services like audio-only visits. Until now, these policies have only continued through short-term legislative fixes.

What the Extension Means

The Consolidated Appropriations Act extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities through the end of 2027, providing nearly two more years of expanded access to remote care.

Here are the highlights:

• Location Flexibilities: Beneficiaries may continue to receive telehealth services from any location, including their homes, through December 31, 2027.
• Expanded Provider Types: Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists may continue to provide Medicare-covered telehealth services through December 31, 2027.
• FQHC & RHC Telehealth: Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics may continue offering telehealth — including mental health visits — without annual in-person visit requirements through December 31, 2027.
• Audio-Only Services: Medicare will continue to reimburse telehealth services delivered via audio-only communication systems through December 31, 2027, preserving access for patients who lack video capability.
• Mental Health In-Person Requirement: Patients receiving telehealth for mental health conditions may continue care without a prior in-person Medicare visit until January 1, 2028.
• Hospice Recertification: Hospice physicians and nurse practitioners may conduct recertification encounters via telehealth through December 31, 2027.

What This Means for Patients and Providers

The extension ensures nearly two more years of broad telehealth access for millions of Medicare beneficiaries and the clinicians who serve them. For patients, especially those who are homebound, live in rural areas, or have mobility challenges, this continuity in coverage is critical. For providers, it means more time to adapt care delivery models and advocate for lasting policy changes.

However, because this is still a temporary extension, uncertainty remains. Congress is considering legislation — such as the CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 (H.R. 4206 and S. 1261) — that would make these telehealth flexibilities permanent. These bills enjoy strong bipartisan support, but they have not yet become law.

Looking Ahead

While the latest extension reflects ongoing bipartisan recognition of telehealth’s value, it also underscores the stop-gap nature of current policy. Providers, patient advocates, and policymakers alike continue to push for permanent telehealth reform that would ensure long-term stability and access beyond another temporary funding deadline.