With the President’s signature of the appropriations bill to re-open the federal government and fund operations and services through January 2026, the inclusion of extended telehealth provisions marks an important victory for hospitals, clinicians, and patients nationwide. The short-term extension, however, means that lawmakers will have to take action again soon to continue the telehealth authority.
Making the telehealth policy permanent is the most effective way to avoid continual cycles of re-authorization and to support what is an essential, proven component of the healthcare delivery system.
Under the agreement, telehealth flexibilities will remain in place through January 30, 2026, including:
- Removal of geographic and originating-site restrictions
- Expanded eligible practitioners
- Continued telehealth authority for FQHCs and RHCs
- Delay of the in-person requirement for mental health care
- Audio-only telehealth services
In addition, payment for telehealth services provided during the shutdown will be paid retroactively.
“We’re encouraged by the progress toward extending these critical flexibilities and restoring stability for hospitals and patients,” said Joshua DeTillio, CEO of Access TeleCare. “But we must move beyond temporary measures. Virtual care is now an essential part of how medicine is practiced in this country, and we need permanent healthcare policy that supports it.”
At Access TeleCare, we’ve seen what’s possible when the policy environment supports innovation. Our specialty telemedicine programs support hospitals in adding or expanding high-demand specialties — neurology, behavioral health, maternal-fetal medicine, critical care, and more.
“Acute specialty telemedicine is one of the most profound levers we can pull to transform healthcare delivery and timely access to care,” said Dr. Chris Gallagher, chief strategy officer, Access TeleCare. “When we remove outdated restrictions, we remove barriers to better outcomes. This temporary extension is progress, but the future must be permanence.”
The federal government’s action reinforces what hospitals and health systems already know: telehealth is a strategic advantage. The hospitals and health systems that invest now will be best positioned to sustain quality outcomes, manage workforce challenges, and expand access long term.
👉 Learn more about how Access TeleCare helps hospitals deliver specialty care.
