What’s Changing for Medicare Recipients
The pandemic transformed telehealth into an essential service, but Medicare recipients face significant changes as coverage expires on March 31, 2025. This deadline comes after Congress extended the original expiration date by three months from the end of 2024.
Historical Context
Telehealth flexibility began under the Trump administration as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person medical visits became risky. The Biden administration further expanded these services through the American Relief Act 2025, which broadened originating sites for telehealth and postponed in-person requirements for Medicare mental health services.
New Requirements Starting April
Rural Patients Face Location Restrictions
Beginning April 1, Medicare patients in rural areas must be physically present at a medical office or facility to receive coverage for most telehealth services that were previously accessible from home.
Limited Exceptions Remain
Some telehealth services will maintain current coverage regardless of location:
- Home dialysis for end-stage renal disease
- Acute stroke care
- Mental and behavioral health services
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Rural and Mobility-Challenged Patients Most Affected
“Rural Americans and folks with mobility issues may feel this the most,” explains Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group. “Telehealth has been a game-changer for people who can’t easily get to a doctor, especially for mental health and routine checkups. If these flexibilities disappear, millions of Medicare recipients will be left scrambling for options.”
Rural Healthcare Concerns
The telehealth expansion provided critical access in areas experiencing healthcare facility closures. Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, notes: “Many rural areas across the United States have seen increased closures of clinics and hospitals in recent years, and the result is few local options for care.”
Next Steps for Patients
Starting April 1, Medicare recipients must:
- Find physical medical offices or facilities for previously covered telehealth services
- Verify if they qualify for the exceptions based on condition and location
- Prepare for potential disruptions in care routines
“Letting telehealth expire isn’t just a matter of the pandemic being over,” Beene warns. “It could have a negative effect on communities that have become more reliant on these services.”
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