Status of Medicare Telehealth Waivers

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) instituted flexibilities that waived many of the generally applicable rules governing Medicare telehealth services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these waivers were in effect through the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).

The Biden administration ended the COVID-19 PHE on May 11, 2023. This decision came after multiple renewals over the previous three years and had ramifications for a variety of telehealth flexibilities afforded by the pandemic. Due to congressional action, many of these flexibilities now remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2024. 

Please keep in mind that this resource addresses Medicare payment policy, and that Medicaid and commercial payers may institute their own payment rules.