Although the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration is slated to expire at the end of October, it is expected that  U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra will issue another extension. HHS has previously indicated that when a decision is made to terminate the declaration or let it expire, the agency will provide 60 days’ notice prior to termination.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, through California Medical Association (CMA) advocacy, both public and private health plans expanded their coverage and reimbursement for services provided via telehealth. As long as the nation continues to be in a public health emergency, all of these policies remain in effect.

Congress also recently extended the current COVID-19 pandemic telehealth waivers for five months beyond the end of the public health emergency. 

Policymakers at the state and federal level are making decisions that will shape the future of telehealth for years to come. CMA published a Telehealth Policy Update that summarizes what has already been done and provides some next steps that physicians can watch for throughout 2022.