The imminent loss of telehealth coverage for millions of Medicare recipients has sparked a fierce backlash for both doctors and patients as new change.org petitions seek to recover compensation after the March 31 expiration date.
Why is it important?
Over 66 million Americans rely on Medicare for health insurance every year. That includes many rural patients who rely on telehealth, which has become increasingly popular during the coronavirus pandemic.
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What do you know
Robert Heuer, a Colorado-based doctor specializing in cancer, launched a petition on April 1 to stop Medicare from limiting coverage for home telehealth.
“For patients with cancer diagnosis or chronic illness, Telehealth provides important links to their care teams. Telehealth can also help alleviate costly trips to medical appointments, work breaks and childcare costs.”
“Therefore, Medicare calls for extended coverage for home telehealth visits beyond April 1, 2025. This measure not only ensures that rural and home-based patients continue to receive the care they need, but also contributes to reducing healthcare disparities in rural America.
At the time of publication, the petition had accumulated over 21,000 signatures. Lawmakers also called in April to prevent remote compensation from expired. California Democratic leader Ro Khanna has introduced the Telehealth Compensation Act to continue services under Medicare coverage.
“Why are we taking telehealth away from millions of seniors who are returning or having difficulty leaving?” Kanna said in a statement. “It's the most devastating for rural Americans.”
Under President Donald Trump's first administration, Medicare Telehealth was initially expanded to allow compensation during a pandemic, when virtual visits became increasingly common.
This continued under President Joe Biden when the 2025 American Rescue Act was passed. This has led to a growing telehealth services outlet site, delaying the in-person requirements for mental health services based on Medicare.
Under the change effective April 1st, Medicare patients will need to visit medical rooms or facilities for most types of care. However, virtual services for those undergoing home dialysis for end-stage renal disease, acute stroke, or mental and behavioral health disorders are still available under current coverage.
What people are saying
Smile Insurance CEO and Medicare expert Chris Fong said Newsweek: “For Medicare beneficiaries, especially those with rural and mobility challenges, telehealth has been a game-changer. Patients can see doctors without long travel times. For many older people who manage chronic conditions, virtual visits can provide faster interventions, fewer interventions, and encourage infiltration. Reduces waiting times for facilities, people who need physical appointments.”
Alex Biene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee, Newsweek: “There are good reasons why there are so many concerns about Telehealth Medicare regulations that expire at the end of March. Reports that emerged from the pandemic era have proven to be a reliable way to reach many rural patients, where local health facilities have been closed in recent years. It's particularly difficult for all involved, and for patients who have to drive miles just to get care, as telehealth options are no longer available now.”
What will happen next
Starting April 1st, patients eligible for Medicare will need to find a medical room or facility for care they once received through Telehealth, unless they are qualified for excluded services.
