Two years of telehealth certainty. Time to build properly.
After months of short extensions, Medicare telehealth flexibilities now run through 2027. Clinics can invest in virtual care with confidence.
By the Xuru Technologies team · 6 February 2026
Key takeaways
- The FY2026 spending law that ended the short partial shutdown in early February extended Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027.
- The long extension replaces a pattern of month-to-month cliffs.
- Clinics can now plan virtual services, staffing and patient journeys for two years.
In our December update we warned clinics to prepare for another deadline at the end of January. That deadline has now been replaced by something much better: a two-year runway.
What happened
Law firm Mintz explained that the funding package ending the partial shutdown carried a multi-year telehealth extension. The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine welcomed the two-year extension of key waivers.
What it means for clinics
- Invest with confidence. Virtual visit programmes can be planned and marketed properly.
- Patients need clarity. Tell them telehealth is staying, so they keep booking.
- Competition grows. More practices will promote virtual care. A good online experience stands out.
Building a lasting virtual front door
| Element | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Online booking with visit types | Patients choose in-person or virtual in one step. |
| Telehealth service pages | Rank for "online doctor near me" style searches. |
| Automated reminders with links | Fewer missed virtual appointments. |
| Accessible design | Older patients can book and join easily. |
Frequently asked questions
How long are Medicare telehealth flexibilities extended?Through 2027, under the FY2026 spending package passed in early February 2026. Check CMS guidance for specific services.
Through 2027, under the FY2026 spending package passed in early February 2026. Check CMS guidance for specific services.
Should my clinic expand telehealth now?The longer extension makes planning safer. Start with visit types that work well remotely and promote them clearly.
The longer extension makes planning safer. Start with visit types that work well remotely and promote them clearly.
How do I make telehealth easy for older patients?Use large, clear buttons, simple steps, reminder messages with one-tap links and an accessible website.
Use large, clear buttons, simple steps, reminder messages with one-tap links and an accessible website.
A virtual front door built to last.
Accessible clinic websites with visit-type booking, reminders and telehealth service pages.
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