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Policy changes during COVID-19
The federal government has taken steps to make providing and receiving care through telehealth easier. These are temporary measures under the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration and are subject to change.
For an overview of federal and state COVID-19 reimbursement rules, watch this video on telehealth reimbursement policy 
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Learn more about billing and telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
HIPAA flexibility for telehealth technology
Providers have more flexibility to use everyday technology for virtual visits during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Medicare and Medicaid policies
Federal COVID-19 waivers and regulatory changes now make it easier for providers to deliver telehealth services to Medicare and Medicaid patients.
Did you know?
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, any health care provider who is eligible to bill Medicare can bill for telehealth services regardless of where the patient or provider is located. For more information about what is covered, see:
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Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services (video) — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- List of Telehealth Services — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Current State Laws & Reimbursement Policies — from the National Policy Center - Center for Connected Health Policy
Telehealth licensing requirements and interstate compacts
Providers can deliver telehealth services across state lines, depending on rules set by state and federal policies.
Prescribing controlled substances
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, authorized providers can prescribe controlled substances via telehealth, without the need for an in-person medical evaluation.
Consolidated Appropriations and American Rescue Plan Acts of 2021 telehealth updates
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 continued and expanded telehealth funding and reimbursement due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Telehealth policy changes after the COVID-19 public health emergency
Stay up to date on the latest telehealth policy developments and get ahead of what to expect once the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.