News & Media
Urge Congress to Extend Telehealth Flexibilities
Join the Michigan State Medical Society’s (MSMS) advocacy efforts by writing to your legislators about the urgent need for Congress to pass legislation so that their constituents can continue to receive telehealth services in the manner to which they have become accustomed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The waivers enacted during that time, which have allowed access to telehealth to flourish, are once again set to expire and will no longer be in effect after September 30, 2025.
Congressional action is needed to either extend or make permanent these telehealth flexibilities including waivers of the geographic and originating site restrictions, continued use of audio-only platforms, and the ability of all eligible Medicare providers to engage in telehealth. For example, if Congress fails to act, conducting a telehealth visit with most Medicare beneficiaries from their homes will no longer be reimbursable. Instead, pre-pandemic rural and facility restrictions would once again apply. Physicians and patients need to know that they can count on the ability to schedule and receive, respectively, appropriate telehealth services in a timely and practical manner without unnecessary barriers.
Don’t delay, let your federal legislators know that their help is needed to ensure the seamless continuation of telehealth services!