[Miami, 08/24/2023] During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services implemented various administrative measures to accelerate the acceptance and understanding of telehealth. While some of these telehealth flexibilities have become permanent, others remain temporary.

New Legislation
Newly passed legislation has granted an extension of the Medicare telehealth flexibilities, previously implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency, until December 31, 2024. This extension ensures continued access to telehealth services and maintains the convenience and benefits it offers patients and healthcare providers.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 has extended several telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program, which proved vital during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). These flexibilities will now remain in effect until the end of 2024. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will provide further guidance on updates and timing regarding continuing these crucial flexibilities.

Permanent Changes
Permanent changes have been made to Medicare that expand access to behavioral/mental health care through telehealth services. Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers can now act as distant site providers, allowing patients to receive these services from the comfort of their own homes. Notably, no geographic restrictions exist on the originating site for behavioral telehealth services.

Audio-Only Communication
Additionally, delivering these services using audio-only platforms is now possible. Lastly, Rural Emergency Hospitals have been designated as eligible originating sites for telehealth, further increasing access to care. These changes aim to enhance convenience and ensure individuals can access the necessary behavioral/mental health services easily.

Temporary Changes
Effective immediately and lasting until December 31, 2024, temporary changes have been implemented to Medicare. These changes allow FQHCs and RHCs to act as distant site providers for non-behavioral telehealth services. Medicare patients can now conveniently receive telehealth services in the comfort of their homes without limitations on the originating site for non-behavioral telehealth services.
Additionally, a patient is no longer required to visit a clinic in-person within six months of the initial behavioral telehealth service, and this annual visit is also not mandatory after that. All eligible Medicare providers can provide these telehealth services.

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