A Letter to Our Professional Community: Navigating the New Medicare Telehealth Rules
Dear Valued Colleague,
October 1, 2025, marked a significant shift in how mental health care can be delivered through telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries. The failure of Congress to pass legislation to extend certain telehealth flexibilities enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted our practices and the clients we serve. We at Be Well are committed to helping our field and the communities we serve navigate these changes with clarity and support.
First, let's be clear about what has changed: The core of telehealth for mental health remains intact. Your clients can continue to receive therapy and other behavioral health services from the comfort and privacy of their homes.
However, the new rules now mandate an in-person visit. For new clients, this means an in-person visit must occur within six months before they can begin receiving telehealth services. For established clients, an in-person visit will be required annually.
We understand that for many of your clients, especially those in rural or underserved areas, or for those with mobility challenges, this new requirement presents a significant hurdle. The very convenience and accessibility that made telehealth a lifeline for so many is now being complicated. This is a step backward, and we share in the frustration and concern that this news brings.
It is important to note that there is a grace period for some clients. If a client began receiving telehealth services during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, they are considered an established client and will not need an initial in-person visit. They will, however, need to have an in-person visit within the next 12 months.
There is also an important exception to the annual in-person visit requirement. If you have a clinically valid position that the benefits of an in-person visit are outweighed by the risks and burdens, this requirement can be waived for the year. This must be documented in their medical record. This could apply in situations where an in-person visit might disrupt their care, worsen their condition, or if they are in remission and only require maintenance-level care.
Our Commitment to the Field:
At Be Well, our mission is to support therapists and their clients. In light of these new regulations, we are providing the following resources, free of charge, to all mental health providers impacted:
A Fact Sheet for Clients: A clear and concise document explaining the new rules, what they mean for their care, and what their options are.
A Guide to Finding In-Person Space: We are compiling a resource guide with options for finding and subletting space for therapists who need to secure physical office space to meet the new in-person requirement.
Template Letter: Therapist to Client Communication About Medicare Telehealth Changes: Use this to communicate important information about Medicare changes with your client, and educate them on what they can expect.
Invitation to a Free One-Hour Webinar, “Urgent Medicare Compliance Information”: Register for a link to the live event, and a copy of the recording.
What You Can Do Now
Talk to Your Medicare Clients: Have an open conversation about how this new requirement will affect their care. Discuss whether an in-person visit is possible for them and explore if they might qualify for an exception.
Contact Your Insurance Panels: Understand the coverage requirements for both in-person and telehealth services, including any applicable grace periods, and inquire about how these requirements may change based on your plan, so you can effectively educate your clients.
Advocate for a Better Solution: Let your elected officials know how these changes impact you. Your voice is crucial in the ongoing fight for accessible mental health care. Find more information on
We are in this together. Please visit us at bewelloffice.com for more information and to access these free resources. We are here to help you navigate this new landscape and continue to receive the care you need and deserve.
With hope and solidarity,
Anna O'Brien
Therapist and Co-founder, Be Well
