Recently, legislative and regulatory changes brought updates to Medicare telehealth policy, including a short-term government funding deal extending key telehealth flexibilities and lasting adjustments released in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule. Shutdown Deal Extends Temporary Telehealth Flexibilities As part of the agreement that ended the government shutdown, Congress approved and the […]
Read More… from November 2025 Updates to Medicare Telehealth Policy
Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released several important updates regarding Medicare telehealth policies following the expiration of legislative waivers on September 30, 2025. These changes, outlined in a special edition of the Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Newsletter and an updated Telehealth FAQ, address claims processing, payment policies, and in-person […]
On September 30, some of the federal COVID-era telehealth waivers expired, resulting in a rollback of coverage for several telehealth services under Medicare. This shift has left many providers and patients uncertain about what virtual care options would remain available. “The good news: there was no opposition in the House to the bill/continuing resolution that […]
Read More… from Virginia Medicaid Announces Telehealth Flexibility Continues
As temporary COVID-era telehealth flexibilities approach expiration in fall 2025, federal lawmakers are debating how to shape the future of Medicare telehealth coverage. The Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) is tracking 20 bills that could change how telehealth is reimbursed under Medicare. Two of the most comprehensive proposals are the CONNECT for Health Act […]
Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waivers provide critical supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and fund a wide range of services — from personal care and job coaching to behavioral therapy and residential support — tailored to each individual’s needs. More providers are using telehealth to deliver services that used to be in person. […]
Read More… from Understanding Virginia’s DD Waivers and Telehealth
During the Public Health Emergency, Congress enacted several temporary measures that waived certain restrictions concerning telehealth coverage under Medicare, greatly improving health care access for Medicare patients. While these waivers have been extended several times since their adoption, it is possible they will expire in 2025. Originally, Medicare telehealth waivers were set to expire on […]
Photo Caption: Dr. Karen Rheuban, VTN Board Chair, testifies during the 2025 Virginia General Assembly. Updated: March 26, 2025 The Virginia General Assembly adjourned its 45-day legislative session on the evening of February 22, 2025. Over the course of the session, the House of Delegates and Senate introduced a total of 1,994 bills – 1,236 […]
Read More… from 2025 General Assembly Sine Die and Governor’s Update
For many families, accessing timely health care isn’t as simple as making an appointment. Working parents may struggle to take time off, transportation challenges can make doctor visits difficult and long wait times for appointments can mean kids may go without the care they need. These barriers are especially tough on families with school-age children, […]
Read More… from School-Based Telehealth Clinics Launch in Hampton and Harrisonburg
Updated – February 20, 2025 In the 2025 Virginia General Assembly, legislators introduced numerous telehealth-related bills and budget items, driven by the work of the Joint Commission of Health Care, the House Select Committee on Rural and Small-Town Healthcare, and other legislative committees and commissions. While unfortunately, not every initiative expanding telehealth services was possible […]
Read More… from 2025 Virginia General Assembly: Telehealth-Related Bills and Budget Amendments
More and more individuals and organizations are recognizing telehealth’s potential, boosted by a Yale study validating that it offers the same effectiveness as in-person care in certain scenarios. This growing acceptance and application were evident by the various causes being advanced to support its growth. As the year comes to a close, let’s reflect on […]
Read More… from Advancements in Telehealth: A Recap of Progress in 2024
UPDATED (12/18/2024): Federal waivers for Medicare telehealth policies were set to expire on December 31, 2024. This week, Congress reached a tentative budget deal, largely offsetting the 2.8% Medicare Physician Fee Schedule cut, providing a 2.5% payment increase while extending telehealth flexibilities and addressing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Extended telehealth flexibilities include removing geographic requirements, […]
Read More… from Medicare Waivers Set to Expire May Be Extended Through 2026
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently put forth a proposed rule that would extend certain telehealth waivers through 2025. Among them: Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics would continue to be able to bill for non-behavioral health telehealth services. Providers would continue to be allowed to report enrolled practice addresses […]
Read More… from CMS Issues Proposed Rule Governing Telehealth for 2025
There’s an age-old paradigm when it comes to the adoption of new technology. As users move to embrace the ease and convenience that comes with technological progress, the speed at which the technology is being adopted often outpaces the practical implications around it. That leaves policymakers as well as those involved in the whole structural […]
Read More… from As telemedicine has evolved, clarity on coverage has become all the more important
During a recent VTN webinar Senator Barbara Favola shared insight on the current state of telehealth legislation in Virginia and where the legislature could take us in the future. She is a champion of human rights and an advocate for increasing access to quality care in Virginia via telehealth. “The General Assembly has really embraced […]
Read More… from Sen. Favola Shares Current and Future State of Telehealth in Virginia