DCNP Action Item: Contact Your Legislators

Contact your legislator today. (https://legis.delaware.gov/FindMyLegislator)  The draft U.S. House of Representatives funding package released 1/20/26  includes major healthcare provisions within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services budget. Two notable points are that it proposes extending Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027, and continuing the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program for five years, through September 30, 2030. Without this the telehealth extension ends January 30, 2026. 

The provisions are part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, commonly referred to as the “minibus,” which combines three appropriations bills covering the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. Advocates emphasize that the continued inclusion of telehealth measures reflects sustained bipartisan support and recognition of telehealth’s role in care delivery.

Additional Telehealth Provisions in the Draft Bill

Beyond extending Medicare telehealth and hospital-at-home waivers, the draft legislation would:

• Extend in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation flexibilities through January 1, 2028

• Enhance durable medical equipment requirements under Medicare

• Require HHS to issue guidance within one year on providing telehealth services to individuals with limited English proficiency

• Include virtual diabetes suppliers in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program through December 31, 2029

The bill also proposes $5 million in grants for public or nonprofit entities through the Rural Emergency Hospital Technical Assistance Program, along with up to $1 million in grants to support telehealth implementation and care coordination for rural veterans under the Social Security Act.

While the package does not establish permanent telehealth policy, advocates see it as meaningful step forward for patients and providers who rely on virtual care. Federal support for telehealth has also been reinforced by recent legislation establishing permanent first-dollar coverage for High-Deductible Health Plans paired with Health Savings Accounts.

If the spending bill does not pass, or telehealth flexibilities are not covered by other legislative means before the January 30, 2026 deadline, a government shutdown could once again disrupt telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries nationwide.