Telehealth extensions have support in Congress, but spending deal collapses

Just two weeks before telehealth waivers are set to expire, Congress has shown support for an extension of virtual care programs.

Congress is working on a broad federal spending package to fund government programs into March, and telehealth advocates said a spending plan included measures to extend telehealth programs.

The package included a two-year extension for most telehealth programs, and a five-year extension for hospital-at-home programs, according to the American Telemedicine Association.

Congress approved broad extensions of telehealth programs early in the telehealth pandemic, but those waivers were set to expire Dec. 31.

Telehealth advocates...