Medicare Telehealth Extension
BerryDunn says: Key Medicare telehealth flexibilities have been extended through December 31, 2027, with some policies now permanent. These flexibilities ensure continued access to virtual care – especially important for seniors, rural patients, and those with mobility challenges.
Here’s what matters most for FQHCs:
Temporary Policies (Through 2027)
- Telehealth for non‑behavioral/mental health care remains allowed, including at-home visits.
- No geographic restrictions for patient location.
- All Medicare‑eligible providers may deliver telehealth.
- FQHCs can serve as distant site providers for non‑behavioral/mental health telehealth.
- Audio‑only visits allowed for non‑behavioral/mental health services.
- No in‑person requirement before/after behavioral health telehealth visits.
Permanent Policies
- FQHCs can permanently serve as distant site providers for behavioral/mental health telehealth.
- Patients can receive behavioral health care from home with no geographic limits.
- Audio‑only telehealth remains an option for behavioral health.
- MFTs and MHCs may serve as distant site telehealth providers.