The appropriations act signed into law on Feb. 3, 2026, extended telehealth allowances for home health certification through Dec. 31, 2027. 
 
The telehealth waiver is related to a physician or other allowed provider conducting a telehealth visit when the patient is located at home.
 
Without the waiver, these visits would not be paid by Medicare and would not qualify as a face-to-face encounter when certifying a patient for home health services.
 
Documentation of the telehealth visit must make it clear it was conducted using two-way audio and video technology that allows real-time interaction between the certifying practitioner and the patient, according to guidance shared by CMS. An encounter by audio or video only is not acceptable. 

Changes for hospice providers

Telehealth use for hospice recertification also was extended through Dec. 31, 2027, but new limitations were added to the waiver in response to national fraud concerns. 
 
Practitioner telehealth use for hospice recertification would not be available: 
  • If the patient is located in an area that is subject to a moratorium on the enrollment of hospice programs.
  • If the patient is receiving hospice care from a provider that is subject to the Provisional Period of Enhanced Oversight (PPEO). 
  • If the provider performing the visit is a hospice physician or nurse practitioner who is not enrolled in Medicare and is not an opt-out physician or practitioner.