Medicare Telehealth Coverage Extended Until September 30

The federal government has extended Medicare's telehealth coverage until September 30, allowing beneficiaries to continue accessing virtual care without geographic restrictions, a significant benefit for many, especially those in rural areas. This extension comes after fears that telehealth services, which saw a surge in usage during the pandemic, were set to expire at the end of March. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining these services, particularly for patients who rely on audio-only visits due to limited internet access. Meanwhile, concerns are rising about the potential impact of an economic recession on Medicare, which could lead to cuts in health care spending and increased strain on the program. Additionally, there are calls for expanding Medicare coverage to reduce out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries, as many still face high medical expenses. The debate continues over the future direction of Medicare, particularly with discussions about privatization under proposed leadership changes.