New Extension of Telehealth Flexibilities Through September 30, 2025
What This Means for Clinical Social Workers
Denise Johnson, LCSW-C, Senior Practice Associate, Clinical Social Work
March 2025
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has received numerous member inquiries about the status of Medicare waivers for telehealth services. There has been some confusion centered around the status of telehealth flexibilities. Most telehealth flexibilities were scheduled to end on December 31, 2024; however, Congress implemented telehealth waivers January 2025 and extended the waivers until March 31, 2025. On March 14, 2025, Congress approved a six-month continuing resolution to maintain government funding and extend the telehealth waivers until September 30, 2025.
The extension outlined in SEC. 2207 of H.R.1968 - Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 allows Medicare providers, such as clinical social workers, to continue offering telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries. While NASW did not support the legislation as written, it supports the extension of telehealth flexibilities and will continue to advocate for these waivers to become permanent. https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Policy-Updates/ID/3177/Social-Work-Advocacy-in-Action-Telehealth-Flexibilities-Extended-Through-September-Including-the-Removal-of-the-Six-Month-Requirement
Key Provisions of the Extension
- Medicare beneficiaries will maintain access to telehealth services in their home without restrictions based on geographic location.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) can continue to provide telehealth services, ensuring rural and underserved communities maintain access.
- Audio-only telehealth services are also extended, allowing providers to offer care for those without internet or video capability.
- Medicare’s in-person visit requirement for mental health services delivered through telehealth has been delayed until October 1, 2025.
Please note: The information provided in this update applies specifically to Medicare beneficiaries and does not automatically extend to Medicaid or private health insurance plans. Clinical social workers should contact their Medicare Administrative Contractor and other health insurance providers to confirm telehealth coverage details and requirements.
NASW members who have questions may contact clinical.practice@socialworkers.org