B2 – Upper Intermediate
As of September 30, 2025, Medicare’s expanded telehealth coverage, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to make care more accessible, is set to expire unless Congress steps in.
This change could particularly impact older adults who depend on virtual visits due to mobility issues or chronic illnesses. Some telehealth services, like mental health, will continue under separate rules, but many others may not.
Read the article to know more about why smaller clinics may not be able to keep offering virtual visits without reimbursement, which could widen gaps in access to care, especially in rural or underserved communities.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “retroactive reimbursement“ in Medicare mean? “Most providers and hospital systems are taking calculated risks to continue care during this time, but long-term continuity depends on action by our telehealth champions in Washington to restore these flexibilities and ensure retroactive reimbursement.“ Use it in a sentence.
- What does “woefully” mean? “Our health care services are regressing, falling woefully short for millions of patients in need.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “advocacy arm” mean? “In a statement, ATA Action, the advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, urged Congress to reinstate Medicare telehealth flexibilities.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think telehealth should stay permanently covered by Medicare? Share your thoughts.
- Have you or someone you know tried a telehealth appointment before? How was the experience?
- What health concerns do you think are best handled online versus in person?
- How do you think rural communities will be affected if telehealth coverage ends?
- Would you personally feel comfortable relying on telehealth for most of your care? Why or why not?