Center for Connected Health Policy

02/19/2026

New research out of the University of Utah finds that Medicare beneficiaries are using virtual care for a wide range of health concerns, not just behavioral health issues.

02/18/2026

One of the bill’s most immediate effects is the extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the legislation, Medicare will continue reimbursing telehealth visits for a broader group of patients, including many living in urban and suburban areas who previously did not qualify.

House Bill 7148, signed into law on Feb. 3, offers temporary reassurance to biomedical researchers by preserving pandemic-era health care flexibilities. 

02/17/2026

Thanks to continued support from the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), last year the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) was able to revive and update the federally qualified health center (FQHC) section on the CCHP Policy Finder. This section was originally created with funding from NACHC in 2022 and was subsequently paused in 2024 due to the expiration of that original funding. However, new NACHC funding was secured in mid-2025, which allowed the FQHC section to relaunch with updated current information. Additional funding has been secured to ensure updates are made to this important category through the first half of 2026.

Prior to the pandemic, many state Medicaid programs had quite vague, or no specific policy at all, as it related to FQHCs and telehealth. However, as a result of the complex pandemic-era time period, many state Medicaid programs were encouraged to develop and detail more clearly what their policies....

02/17/2026

Telehealth visits are commonly used for mental and behavioral health care, and since the days of the early pandemic, patients have increasingly used virtual meetings with doctors to meet other health care needs. But the full scope of who’s accessing health care remotely—and why—is less clear.

A new study of Medicare patients across the country has found that nearly half of telehealth visits are for non-mental health conditions, often chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. The results provide a crucial foundation to help shape health care policies and practices to make quality care accessible to all.

A new study of Medicare patients across the country has found that nearly half of telehealth visits are for non-mental health conditions, often chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. The results provide a crucial foundation to help make quality care accessible to all.

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.