Update 11/17/25. Medicare has extended their Telehealth policy until 1/30/25: The law reinstates the Medicare telehealth flexibilities retroactively from October 1 through January 30, 2026. This means the requirement for an in-person visit within six months of an initial mental health telehealth visit and annually thereafter is waived again until January 30, 2026.
We know this may be confusing, and we want to help you understand your options. Here are a few key questions with the telehealth changes:
Will all telehealth visits stop?
No. But if the law is not changed after 1/30/25: NEW Medicare clients will be required to have their initial appointment in-person within six months before their first telehealth session, followed by in-person visits at least every 12 months during ongoing treatment.
Are there exceptions to the initial in-person session requirement?
No. However, it does not apply to patients who began telehealth treatment during the public health emergency or its extensions. In such cases, only annual in-person visits are required.
What if I can’t ever make an in-person annual session and have been working with my Medicare provider prior to this policy change?
This is a discussion to have with your therapist to address the risk and burdens of requiring an in-person visit outweighing the benefits. Please speak to your therapist directly for more information.
I have a Medicare Advantage Plan, does this impact my sessions?
Medicare Advantage Plans and some providers in Original Medicare may offer more telehealth benefits than the basic coverage in Original Medicare. We recommend you contact your insurance provider to learn your plan specifics.
Still have questions?
To learn your specific plan benefits and requirements for telehealth coverage, please call the member services number usually located on the back of your medical insurance card for assistance.
For the latest information, visit the official Medicare Telehealth Information page.