One proposed legislation change could significantly affect Medicare coverage in the United States, especially for those Americans who use telehealth.
Medicare Telehealth Access: What it means
The Telehealth Coverage act, introduced by Democratic Representative Ro Kohna of California to avoid a major disruption to healthcare services.
Medicare provides health coverage for more than 66 millions Americans each year. Telehealth was a valuable alternative during the COVID-19 epidemic, as it reduced the risk associated with face-to-face healthcare. The convenience and accessibility provided by telehealth is a major benefit for many, especially those living in rural areas, where it can be difficult to access medical facilities.
The Telehealth Coverage and Medicare Telehealth Extension Act: Key Provisions
Telehealth Coverage Act extends Medicare’s Telehealth Coverage, originally scheduled to terminate on March 31, 2019. Medicare’s telehealth coverage was initially expanded by the Trump administration in order to improve healthcare accessibility during the pandemic. However, as virtual visits increased in frequency and became more common, Medicare services experienced a boom.
The American Relief Act, 2025 was enacted by President Joe Biden and expanded the range of originating locations for telehealth. It also temporarily waived the in-person requirement for Medicare recipients seeking mental health care.
It is estimated that 12 million Americans will be required to travel for medical treatment if Medicare funding for telehealth coverage lapses. Khanna stressed the impact on rural and mobility-challenged residents.
Khanna said, “Why take telehealth off the hands of millions seniors who live at home or are unable to leave their houses? This is especially devastating to rural Americans.” He also expressed concern over the lack of healthcare available to vulnerable populations.
Medicare beneficiaries’ perspectives on Telehealth coverage
Democratic Representative Ro K Khanna from California He expressed his concerns about the impending expiration of Medicare coverage for telehealth due to policies from previous administrations. He proposed the Telehealth Coverage Act, urging its passage in order to ensure continued telehealth coverage for seniors living in rural areas.
Medicare Telehealth coverage: Next steps
In the absence of the Telehealth Coverage Act, Medicare recipients will be forced to attend in-person services starting April 1, disrupting continuity of care that many people have grown to depend on. There may be exceptions for those who live in rural areas, are receiving certain treatments, such as acute stroke treatment, mental health and behavioral services, or end-stage kidney disease care.