On March 14, President Trump signed into law the “Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025,” extending government operations for the next six months. Despite advocacy from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and other medical societies in response to the physician fee schedule proposed rule, congressional leaders did not include language to address the significantly reduced Medicare physician reimbursements, and the finalized reimbursement rates will remain in place for 2025.
The law does, however, extend critical telehealth provisions for Medicare beneficiaries. These temporary flexibilities, introduced initially during the COVID-19 public health emergency, were set to expire March 31. They have now been extended through Sept. 30, allowing health care providers to continue offering virtual care without interruption.
Key Medicare Telehealth Policy Extensions
Waiver of Geographic and Originating Site Restrictions
- Medicare beneficiaries may continue to receive telehealth services anywhere in the United States, including in their homes.
- Patients do not need to be in a rural area or medical facility to access telehealth care.
Expanded Scope of Practice for Telehealth Providers
- Any practitioner who can independently bill Medicare for professional services may furnish telehealth.
Delay of In-Person Requirements for Non-Behavioral/Mental Health Services
- Audio-only telehealth services will remain permitted for Medicare patients in all locations.
- Through Sept. 30, 2025, an in-person visit within six months of an initial Medicare behavioral/mental telehealth service and annually thereafter is not required.
While this extension provides temporary relief, AASM continues to advocate for making the telehealth flexibilities permanent to ensure long-term stability for patients and providers.
Please direct any questions regarding the “Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025” to coding@aasm.org.
