Medicare payment policies during COVID-19
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has expanded coverage for telehealth services and providers during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Telehealth policy changes
The federal government announced a series of policy changes that temporarily broaden Medicare coverage for telehealth. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 extended many of the telehealth flexibility waivers that were passed under Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 through December 31, 2024.
The Administration’s plan is to end the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023.
Some important changes to Medicare telehealth coverage and reimbursement under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 include:
- Location: No geographic restrictions for patients or providers
- Eligible providers: All health care providers who are eligible to bill Medicare can bill for telehealth services, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)
- Eligible services: See the list of telehealth services from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Cost-sharing: Providers can reduce or waive patient cost-sharing (copayments and deductibles) for telehealth visits
- Licensing: Providers can furnish services outside their state of enrollment. For questions about new enrollment flexibilities, or to enroll for temporary billing privileges, use this list of Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to call the hotline for your area
- Modality: Audio-only coverage for approved services can continue to be reimbursed through to December 31, 2024.
For guidance on billing and coding Medicare claims during COVID-19, see:
For details about Medicare waivers and flexibilities in effect, see:
- Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services (video) — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- COVID-19 Telehealth Coverage Policies — from the National Policy Center - Center for Connected Health Policy
For changes announced in the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule, see:
- Final Calendar Year 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Have a question?
Contact the staff at the regional telehealth resource center that’s closest to you for help with your telehealth program.
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