Telehealth Flexibilities Expire Under Lapse in Federal Funding

Congressional leaders were unable to negotiate a federal funding bill this week, and a government shutdown is now in effect. It is unclear how long this lapse in funding will last; historically, some shutdowns have lasted a few days, and the longest, in 2018, was for 34 days. Among the programs impacted by the funding lapse is one of HPNA’s policy priorities: the extension of pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities, which are expired as of September 30 and will only be renewed if Congress provides funding for the extension in the next appropriations bill. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided some guidance for providers during this time, but it has not indicated whether claims for telehealth services delivered outside rural areas and other settings will be covered retroactively after the government reopens. HPNA’s advocacy team continues to monitor the funding lapse and telehealth extension. Please join the Advocacy Network for frequent updates and advocacy engagement opportunities, or reach out to the advocacy team with any questions.