1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

As the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule approaches, it is crucial to safeguard telehealth flexibilities that have expanded access to care for beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed rule aims to extend certain virtual care provisions, signaling ongoing support from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). However, these measures will have limited impact without Congressional action to permanently remove statutory barriers beyond December 2024. Maintaining telehealth flexibilities is vital to ensuring Medicare beneficiaries, especially those in rural and underserved areas, can continue receiving essential healthcare services remotely. Reverting to pre-pandemic restrictions would disrupt care continuity and reduce access for vulnerable populations. Evidence shows telehealth improves outcomes, enhances care coordination, and reduces costs by preventing unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Furthermore, the proposed rule introduces new payment pathways for digital mental health treatments, reflecting virtual care's growing role in addressing the nation's behavioral health crisis. Enabling reimbursement for these innovative solutions can improve access to mental healthcare while reducing costs. We urge Congress to prioritize permanently extending pandemic-era telehealth policies for Medicare fee-for-service before the scheduled expiration. Doing so will uphold Medicare's commitment to affordable, quality care and promote the integration of virtual modalities proven to enhance patient experience and outcomes. Decisive action is needed to provide certainty for providers and protect access for beneficiaries who have embraced telehealth's convenience and effectiveness.