How the Latest Spending Bill Impacts Telehealth Flexibilities for Providers
The healthcare landscape continues to shift, and telehealth remains at the heart of many policy discussions. With the passage of the latest spending bill, healthcare providers are seeing extended — but still temporary — telehealth flexibilities. These changes impact how care is delivered, documented, and reimbursed. At Shoreline Medical Billing, we help providers understand and adapt to new healthcare policy so they can stay compliant and financially healthy.
A Quick Look at the Spending Bill
In March 2025, Congress passed a new spending bill that includes critical extensions for telehealth services. While many provisions first emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, this legislation reinforces the importance of remote care in a post-pandemic healthcare environment.
Here’s what providers need to know:
Key Telehealth Extensions in the Spending Bill
1. Extended Coverage Through 2026
The bill extends many of the pandemic-era telehealth waivers through December 31, 2026. This gives providers more time to offer remote care under flexible rules while permanent legislation is debated.
2. Continued Reimbursement Flexibility
Medicare will continue reimbursing for a broader range of telehealth services, including mental health, chronic care management, and primary care — with parity to in-person visits in many cases.
3. No Geographic Restrictions
Providers can continue offering telehealth to patients in urban and rural areas alike, removing outdated geographic restrictions that once limited remote service delivery.
4. Audio-Only Services Still Covered
The bill maintains coverage for audio-only visits, which is crucial for reaching patients who may not have video capabilities or broadband access.
5. Delay of In-Person Requirements
The legislation further delays the requirement for an in-person visit before initiating telehealth mental health services, giving providers and patients more flexibility.
What This Means for Healthcare Providers
While this extension is a win, it also raises critical considerations:
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Documentation Compliance:
Providers must follow specific billing and coding rules tied to telehealth under the new healthcare policy guidelines.
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Platform Readiness:
Ensure your technology platforms meet HIPAA requirements as temporary waivers may not last forever.
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Revenue Cycle Impact:
Understanding how remote care services are reimbursed can prevent denied claims and optimize revenue.
At Shoreline Medical Billing, we specialize in helping practices navigate these updates. From claim submission to regulatory compliance, our experts keep your billing aligned with the latest federal changes.
Why It Matters for Patients
For patients, this means:
- More consistent access to remote care, regardless of location.
- Continued convenience for chronic condition management and behavioral health.
- Greater healthcare equity for underserved populations.
Looking Ahead: Will Telehealth Be Permanent?
While the spending bill buys time, it doesn’t make telehealth flexibilities permanent. Lawmakers continue to debate long-term healthcare policy changes, and future bills will likely determine whether today’s temporary rules become standard practice. Providers must prepare now — not just to comply, but to lead in a more digitally connected healthcare world.
How Shoreline Medical Billing Can Help
We’re more than just a billing partner — we’re your compliance and revenue cycle ally. Shoreline Medical Billing helps practices:
- Maximize telehealth reimbursements under new policies.
- Stay up-to-date on shifting healthcare policy.
- Ensure clean claims for all remote care services.
- Train teams on compliant documentation and coding
Telehealth is here to stay — at least for now.
Make sure your practice is ready to thrive under the new rules of the latest spending bill.
Contact Shoreline Medical Billing today to schedule a consultation and keep your revenue cycle strong.