1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

It is critically important that Medicare extend coverage for telehealth appointments beyond the December 31, 2024 deadline. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the immense value and necessity of accessible telehealth services. For many patients, especially those in rural or underserved areas, telehealth is the only viable option for receiving needed medical care. Continuing to allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive telehealth services in their homes, without geographic restrictions or in-person visit requirements, promotes healthcare equity and ensures continuity of care. Telehealth has proven benefits in terms of improved outcomes, reduced costs, and increased patient satisfaction. Allowing key telehealth flexibilities to expire would represent a major step backwards in healthcare delivery and access. Medicare must act to make permanent the temporary telehealth policy changes that have enabled critical healthcare services to reach patients during this public health crisis.