On February 3, 2026, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) was signed into law, extending key Medicare telehealth flexibilities originally implemented during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The legislation provides short-term regulatory stability while Congress continues to evaluate longer-term telehealth reforms.

Extension of Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities

The Act extends pandemic-era Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027, including:

• Expanded provider eligibility for telehealth services
• Continued ability for beneficiaries to receive telehealth services from their homes
• Elimination of geographic and originating site restrictions
• Continued authorization for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to serve as distant-site providers

Audio-Only Telehealth Coverage

Medicare coverage for audio-only telehealth visits for non-behavioral and non-mental health services is also extended through December 31, 2027. This ensures continued access to care for beneficiaries who lack video capability.

Additional policies extended through 2027 include:

• Broad Medicare coverage of virtual visits
• Delayed in-person visit requirements for behavioral health services
• Continued use of telehealth for hospice recertification visits

Acute Hospital Care at Home Program Extended

The Act extends the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver program through September 30, 2030, allowing Medicare beneficiaries to continue receiving hospital-level care at home through a combination of in-person services and virtual technology.

New Telehealth Billing Modifiers

CMS is required to establish new telehealth billing modifiers by January 1, 2027. These modifiers will enhance Medicare’s ability to track how telehealth services are delivered, including whether services are provided via third-party platforms or billed under another provider. Independent clinicians are expected to see minimal impact, while larger health systems may need to prepare for additional billing and compliance considerations.

Key Takeaways

H.R. 7148 preserves broad access to Medicare telehealth services through 2027, including home-based and audio-only care, while supporting providers serving rural and underserved communities. Providers should continue to monitor CMS guidance for implementation details, particularly related to upcoming billing modifier requirements.

Michele Krpata, BSW, CPC, CPMA

Compliance Officer, Quality Reporting Analyst

Integrated Physicians Management Services