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Medicare Telehealth Reimbursement Extension Update (February 2, 2026)

By: | Tags: , , , , | February 2nd, 2026

Medicare Telehealth Waivers Extended Through 2027, Restoring Coverage Stability

February 2, 2026 — Congress has formally extended key Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027, restoring reimbursement coverage following a brief lapse and providing greater long-term stability for hospital-based telemedicine programs.

The extension preserves several policies that have expanded access to virtual care nationwide, including removal of geographic restrictions, use of the patient’s home as an originating site, expanded provider eligibility, continued audio-only services when appropriate, and telehealth participation for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs).

For neurology and stroke programs, the legislation maintains Medicare reimbursement for telestroke consults, supports inpatient neurology and critical care coverage, and reinforces hospital-at-home initiatives. Behavioral health programs also benefit from the continued waiver of the in-person visit requirement and ongoing telepsychiatry access across care settings.

TeleSpecialists continues to monitor federal guidance and policy developments to help partner hospitals maintain compliant, uninterrupted specialty coverage while protecting reimbursement pathways and access to neurological and behavioral health services.

For the full February 2, 2026 update, please click here. TeleSpecialists will continue to provide updates as additional Congressional action and CMS guidance become available.

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