Updated: Medicare Telehealth Waivers Refresher

Updated: Feb. 01, 2023

In 2020, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) instituted flexibilities that waived many of the generally applicable rules governing Medicare telehealth services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Many of these waivers are in effect through the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Due to recent congressional action, many of these flexibilities will now remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2024. A handful of others will likely end upon the conclusion of the PHE. 

On Jan. 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced its plans to end the COVID-19 PHE on May 11, 2023. This decision comes after multiple renewals over the past three years. MGMA appreciates that the Administration heeded our call to provide at least 90-days’ notice prior to concluding the PHE. The end of the PHE will have ramifications for a variety of flexibilities afforded by the pandemic over the last several years. 

Please keep in mind that this resource addresses Medicare payment policy, and that Medicaid and commercial payers may institute their own payment rules.


This material is available to MGMA members only.