Coverage of Telehealth services for Medicare patients has been disrupted by the federal government shutdown.
Telehealth waivers that were put in place following the pandemic expired on Sept. 30, 2025.
Without further congressional action, providers will no longer be reimbursed for telehealth visits provided to Medicare patients in their homes.
Some behavioral, mental health and substance use disorder allowances remain in place:
- Services for mental/behavioral health can continue to be provided via telehealth with the patient in their home.
- However, Medicare will cover these services only if a practitioner first sees a patient in person six months before beginning telehealth sessions, and then annually thereafter.
- Treatment for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions also remain covered via telehealth.
Patients who have questions regarding their telehealth care are asked to contact their provider.