Medicare’s pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024, potentially affecting millions of seniors who have come to rely on these services for convenient health care access.

Before the pandemic, Medicare telehealth was limited to rural areas and specific originating sites. Congress has extended these waivers twice, but further extension could cost around $4 billion. Bipartisan support exists for maintaining these services, yet legislative action is required before the deadline.

“This often means that these are patients who will end up in the air when they’re sick,” said Dr. Ken Desa of Sun River Health, highlighting the critical role of telehealth in patient care.