Congress Ends Shutdown, Extends Key Telehealth Waivers for Two Years

Congress has passed a $1.2 trillion funding package that ends the latest government shutdown and keeps most federal agencies funded through September. The bill includes a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027, maintaining expanded coverage for virtual care, including audio-only services and broader provider eligibility created during the pandemic. These provisions were set to expire on January 30, and without action would have reverted Medicare telehealth to pre-pandemic limits, severely restricting access for many beneficiaries.