By: Christopher Parrella, Esq., CPC, CHC, CPCO
Parrella Health Law, Boston, Ma.
A Health Care Provider Defense and Compliance Firm

The American Relief Act, signed into law on Saturday, brings much-needed relief to healthcare providers and patients by extending key Medicare telehealth waivers through March 31, 2025. These flexibilities, originally set to expire at the end of 2024, allow continued access to vital telehealth services across the country. However, with this extension lasting only three months, advocacy efforts must continue to secure longer-term solutions.

Key Extensions Under the American Relief Act

Section 3207 of H.R. 10545 includes several critical telehealth flexibilities:

1. No Geographic Restrictions:
   Patients can receive telehealth services regardless of their location, eliminating previous barriers tied to rural or urban residency.
2. Audio-Only Telehealth:
   Audio-only telehealth remains permissible under certain circumstances, ensuring patients with limited internet access or technology can still access care.
3. Expanded Provider Access:
   Non-physician practitioners—including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and diabetic educators—can continue to provide telehealth services.
4. Hospice Face-to-Face Visits:
   Hospice patients can maintain eligibility through face-to-face telehealth visits, ensuring continuity of care for this vulnerable population.

Impact of the Extension

By extending these waivers, Congress has ensured that millions of Medicare beneficiaries can continue accessing telehealth services without interruption. This is particularly critical for patients in underserved areas or those with mobility and transportation challenges.

For healthcare providers, the extension allows continued use of telehealth tools that improve efficiency, expand access, and reduce administrative burdens. However, the short-term nature of this extension underscores the need for long-term legislative action to solidify telehealth as a permanent fixture of the healthcare system.

What Happens After March 31, 2025?

Since these flexibilities were implemented through amendments to the Social Security Act, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) lacks authority to extend them further. Congress must act again to pass new legislation if these telehealth provisions are to remain in place beyond March 2025.

What Providers Should Do Now

1. Stay Compliant:
   Ensure your telehealth practices align with the extended flexibilities under the American Relief Act.
2. Advocate for Permanency:
   Join industry coalitions and engage with lawmakers to push for permanent telehealth reforms.
3. Prepare for Changes:
   Begin strategizing for a potential scenario where telehealth flexibilities are not extended beyond March 2025.
4. Educate Patients:
   Inform your patients about the continued availability of telehealth services and how they can access them.

Call to Action

The future of telehealth depends on collective action. Parrella Health Law is here to help healthcare providers navigate these evolving regulations and advocate for lasting change. We provide expert guidance on compliance, policy updates, and advocacy strategies to ensure you’re prepared for the future of telehealth. Contact us today at 857.328.0382 or email Chris at cparrella@parrellahealthlaw.com. Let’s work together to make telehealth a permanent and equitable solution for all.