Medicare Telehealth Waivers Set to Expire: Seniors' Access Hangs in Balance
Washington, Friday, 28 February 2025.
Medicare telehealth waivers are expiring on March 31, 2025, unless Congress acts. This could limit remote healthcare access for millions of seniors who rely on these services.
Current Utilization and Impact
The stakes are particularly high given the significant adoption of telehealth services among Medicare beneficiaries. During October to December 2023, approximately 13% of 22 million Medicare beneficiaries utilized telehealth services [5]. This represents a notable increase from pre-pandemic levels, maintaining double the usage rate compared to before COVID-19 [2]. A January 2024 AARP poll revealed that nearly three-quarters of adults aged 50 and older used telehealth services in the past year, with approximately 90% reporting satisfaction with their experience [2].
Congressional Considerations
The financial implications of maintaining these services are substantial, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating in July 2024 that a two-year extension would cost approximately $4 billion [1]. While bipartisan legislation for a permanent Medicare telehealth waiver was introduced on February 18, 2025, the details remain pending [2]. Kyle Zebley, Senior VP of Public Policy at the American Telemedicine Association, confirms that President Trump’s administration is actively engaging with Congress to extend these vital flexibilities beyond the March deadline [1].
Potential Consequences
If Congress fails to act, the impact could be severe for Medicare beneficiaries. After March 31, 2025, most telehealth appointments would require in-person visits at rural medical facilities [5]. This change would particularly affect patients like Kaye Peterson, a 67-year-old Type 1 diabetes patient who relies on telehealth due to transportation limitations [5]. Dr. Cecil Bennett, whose clinic serves a significant Medicare patient population, warns that ‘seniors are going to suffer if this waiver goes away’ [5].
Looking Ahead
Healthcare organizations are being advised to prepare contingency plans immediately for potential changes [3]. While the DEA has extended telehealth prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances until December 2025 [3], the broader Medicare telehealth coverage remains uncertain. For states like Washington, local laws ensure telehealth continuation for non-Medicare patients [1], but federal action is required to maintain comprehensive coverage for seniors nationwide [alert! ‘pending congressional decision could alter implementation timeline’].