Telehealth Waivers Reinstated as Government Shutdown Ends (SNF/AL)

Current telehealth waivers expired September 30. The compromise to reopen the government that Congressed passed on November 12 reinstates the telehealth flexibilities retroactively from October 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Key waivers accomplish the following: 

• Remove the geographic limitations for medical telehealth services so they can again be furnished nationwide, including in a person’s home or assisted living residence. 
• Restore the eligibility of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology providers to furnish telehealth services. 
• Restore a delay in Medicare in-person requirement for mental health services furnished through telehealth or audio-only telecommunications technology.  
• Restore the use of telehealth to conduct face-to-face encounters for Hospice recertifications.