A Critical Win for Telehealth Providers and Patients 

This past weekend, President Trump signed the Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through September 30, 2025. Along with securing federal funding, this bill extends several key Medicare telehealth flexibilities that were set to expire at the end of March — a crucial win for providers, patients, and the broader healthcare system. 

These policies have shaped how healthcare organizations deliver and access virtual care over the past five years. The extension signals that telehealth remains a critical component of modern care delivery, particularly for behavioral health services in underserved communities. 

Key Telehealth Provisions Extended 

Under the new legislation, the following Medicare telehealth flexibilities will remain in place: 

• Expanded eligibility for telehealth services 

• The removal of geographic restrictions and expanded originating sites allow more Medicare beneficiaries to access care remotely. 

• Continued support for FQHCs & RHCs 

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) can continue delivering telehealth services, ensuring access in historically underserved areas. 

• Delayed in-person visit requirements 

• The bill postpones the requirement for an in-person visit before receiving mental health telehealth services, reducing barriers to care. 

• Face-to-face telehealth encounters for hospice eligibility 

• Telehealth can still be used for hospice recertifications, maintaining continuity for patients with serious illnesses. 

Additionally, the bill extends funding for community health centers, teaching hospitals, and national service corps programs, which play a key role in supporting behavioral health workforce expansion. 

Why This Matters for Behavioral Health 

These extensions are not just policy updates — they directly impact patient care, clinician burnout, and healthcare equity. Behavioral health providers have relied on virtual care models to improve access, efficiency, and outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas. 

Yet, the uncertainty surrounding permanent telehealth policies remains a challenge. As Congress continues to evaluate the future of these flexibilities, healthcare leaders, including those at Iris Telehealth, are advocating for long-term stability in telehealth legislation. 

Industry Leaders Call for Permanent Telehealth Protections 

While this extension provides temporary relief, many organizations are urging lawmakers to take permanent action. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) and nearly 100 other organizations recently sent a letter to Congress emphasizing that returning to pre-pandemic telehealth policies is not an option: 

“Acting now to extend the policies initially enacted under the pandemic through the end of the year (at minimum) will bring much-needed stability to patients and clinicians. The deadline for the end of these policies comes at a time when patients are struggling with inflationary pressures, clinician burnout, and record-setting Baby Boomer retirements.” 

For providers and patients, telehealth has proven its value. The ability to connect with specialists, manage mental health conditions remotely, and reduce strain on emergency departments is vital for the future of care delivery. 

What’s Next for Telehealth Policy? 

The next step is ensuring these telehealth gains don’t disappear in 2025. While the CR extends these flexibilities through September of this year, there is growing pressure for Congress to act before these flexibilities expire to provide certainty and stability for the industry. 

At Iris Telehealth, we remain committed to advocating for policies that empower providers and improve patient access. We will continue to monitor and provide updates on legislative changes, industry movements, and what this means for behavioral health organizations. 

Stay Informed 

As these discussions evolve, Iris Telehealth will keep you updated on policy changes, best practices, and industry insights to help your organization navigate the future of behavioral health care.