Center for Connected Health Policy

02/13/2026

Among the most substantial add-ons were 2-year extensions of Medicare telehealth payment rules. These include ones that removed some geographic requirements and expanded the scope of originating sites and practitioners eligible to provide services.

A recent federal appropriations bill carried with it 2-year extensions of telehealth provisions, along with changes in policy intended to set the stage for lower drug costs for patients.

02/12/2026

💡 Learning About Using Telehealth (for Patients with IDD)

The Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) has created an animated video with the Intellectually/Developmentally Disabled (IDD) population in mind reviewing what patients can expect during their telehealth visit.

🔗 View the full video -

An animated video that relays similar information as the “Things to Know about Telehealth” fact sheet, including common questions the patient may have regard...

02/11/2026

Federal telehealth policy in 2026 is in transition following Congress’s action to end a partial government shutdown and extend several Medicare telehealth provisions. However, many key flexibilities remain temporary, and lawmakers are now turning to broader legislation to provide long-term stability.

Federal telehealth policy in 2026 includes extended Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027.

02/10/2026

A Little Stability to Love 💝 : Medicare & DEA Telehealth Waivers Extended

💡As an update to last week’s newsletter, the Medicare telehealth waivers that expired on January 30, 2026 have now been formally extended. Congress passed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, and the bill was signed into law last Tuesday, retroactively covering the brief lapse period. This legislation extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027, restoring continuity to coverage and avoiding a return to permanent, pre-pandemic Medicare telehealth policy. These waivers have been in place since 2020, when the COVID-19 public health emergency began, and have since been extended repeatedly, often on a short-term basis. This longer-term, an almost 2-year extension, provides greater stability and reduces near-term uncertainty for providers and patients relying on telehealth services.

CCHP's February Newsletter is Here! Learn about recent waiver extensions & the policy elements that continue to matter most!

02/10/2026

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will expand access to health care and save patients time and money by making permanent Medicare coverage of telehealth services that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes would enable patients to be treated at home, allow Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to provide telehealth services, and expand coverage of audio-only services for certain conditions, among other changes.

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will expand access to health care and save patients time and money by making permanent Medicare coverage of telehealth...

02/09/2026

As part of the budget package, Congress passed the PREVENT DIABETES Act, which extends the ability for digital health companies (virtual suppliers) to participate in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) through the end of 2029.

In the $1.2 trillion budget package signed Tuesday, a little-known healthcare provision was reauthorized that will allow millions of people on Medicare to access diabetes prevention educa | Tucked into the FY2026 government funding bill is legislation that expands the types of providers allowed to o...

02/06/2026

As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which ended the recent partial government shutdown, Congress extended several Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2027. These policies, originally introduced during the COVID-19 public health emergency, were set to expire Jan. 30, 2026. The extension provides multiyear stability for practices that rely on virtual care.

Access clinical practice guidelines, standards of practice, and more – powered by AI. AASM members enjoy free monthly access.

02/05/2026

The spending package includes a two-year extension for telehealth programs, and a five-year extension for home hospital programs. Now, advocates are seeking permanent reforms.

The spending package includes a two-year extension for telehealth programs, and a five-year extension for home hospital programs. Now, advocates are seeking permanent reforms.

02/04/2026

Telehealth flexibilities in Medicare and waivers that allow hospitals to deliver acute care in patients’ homes were reinstated on Tuesday after President Donald Trump signed legislation ending a partial government shutdown.

The funding package ends a partial government shutdown and enacts several healthcare policies, including preserving telehealth flexibilities in Medicare through 2027.

02/03/2026

Update on Medicare Telehealth Waivers ➕ CCHP’s Sr. Policy Guru Shares Insights on Important New Findings & Trends

02/03/2026

A short federal shutdown began after the House failed to vote on a Senate-approved funding package by the Jan. 30 deadline. Medicare telehealth and Hospital-at-Home programs have reverted to pre-pandemic rules during the lapse. House passage of funding package on Feb. 3, 2026 would restore coverage retroactively and extend telehealth flexibilities through 2027.

An expected short federal shutdown began after the House missed a funding deadline, delaying Senate-approved legislation that would restore Medicare telehealth through 2027.

02/02/2026

The federal government entered a partial shutdown on Saturday, allowing telehealth flexibilities in Medicare and waivers for acute hospital-at-home care to lapse.

The Senate passed a spending package Friday, but the measure is still awaiting House approval. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the partial shutdown should be brief.