Telehealth Modernization Act of 2025: 5 things to know

U.S. lawmakers introduced the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2025 on Sept. 2 with the aim of preventing Medicare telehealth flexibilities from expiring at the end of the month.

Without congressional action, key pandemic-era waivers will lapse on Sept. 30. The bill, led by Reps. Buddy Carter and Debbie Dingell, would extend those provisions through Sept. 30, 2027.

Here are five things to know:

1. Expanded Medicare access: The legislation would continue waivers on geographic and originating site restrictions, allow federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to serve as distant-site providers, and permit some audio-only services.
2. Behavioral care rules delayed: In-person visit requirements for Medicare behavioral health services — including those provided by federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics — would be delayed through 2027.
3. Hospital at home through 2030: The legislation would extend Acute Hospital Care at Home waivers for five more years. HHS would report program outcomes to Congress by Sept. 30, 2028.
4. New fraud safeguards: Beginning in 2026, HHS would be required to identify lab tests at high risk for fraud. In 2028, CMS would begin prepayment reviews of certain equipment and prosthetics claims.
5. Support for chronic care and LEP patients: The bill extends virtual Diabetes Prevention Programs through 2030 and requires HHS to issue telehealth guidance for patients with limited English proficiency. It also allows in-home cardiac and pulmonary rehab via audio-video telehealth through Jan. 1, 2027.

Lawmakers may use this bill or a continuing resolution to avert a “telehealth cliff” for Medicare patients.

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