10/13/2025

Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities and CMS Operations During Government Shutdown

The U.S. government shut down on October 1, 2025, after lawmakers were unable to reach a funding agreement. The date also marked the deadline to extend the Medicare telehealth flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 public health emergency. As such, telehealth flexibilities have lapsed for Medicare beneficiaries, except those being treated for mental health or substance use disorders.

The flexibilities included waivers for geographic and originating site restrictions, an expanded list of eligible practitioners, audio-only telehealth visits, telehealth for hospice care recertification, and the delayed in-person visit requirement for tele-mental health services. These flexibilities increased access to cancer care for Medicare beneficiaries and helped providers reach rural populations and people who might not be able to take time off work, find childcare, and arrange transportation for an in-person visit. Read more on ASCO in Action.