Medicare’s new proposals: What it means for you

Currently, the world of healthcare policy is feeling some turbulence, but the good news is that there are still entities that are fighting the good fight. Medicare is proposing updates that could expand access to key services like telehealth and counseling, making it easier for therapists to connect with clients and provide care. These proposals represent a major step forward in making mental and physical healthcare more accessible, equitable, and adaptive to today’s needs. Here’s what’s on the table and how it could transform your work.  

Medicare’s plan to expand telehealth coverage  

Telehealth broke down barriers during the pandemic, and Medicare is working to make it a permanent fixture in healthcare. They’re proposing more services delivered through telehealth, making it easier for you to connect with clients no matter where they are—including rural or underserved areas.  

What’s in the proposal?  

Medicare wants to add more services to the permanent telehealth coverage list, including some that were temporarily allowed during the pandemic. Plus, they’re considering allowing audio-only telehealth for certain behavioral health and counseling services. This is particularly helpful for clients who lack strong internet access or advanced technology.  

For therapists at Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) or Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), the expansion would support care coordination and chronic care management virtually, reducing common accessibility barriers.  

For practice owners, this makes it easier to offer flexible service delivery, expanding your reach while making care more accessible for clients.  

The future of multiple-family group psychotherapy

If you run group therapy involving multiple families (CPT code 90849), the updated proposal could change how your service is reimbursed. Medicare wants to better reflect the time, cost, and labor involved in supporting families through this kind of therapy.  

Why does this matter?  

Multiple-family group therapy is vital for helping families improve communication and manage challenges together. Medicare’s plan considers new payment rates that better align with the resources needed to deliver this care.  

Even more exciting, the proposal suggests that multiple-family group therapy could become eligible for virtual platforms. For hard-to-reach families or those balancing packed schedules, this makes participation more accessible. For therapists, it ensures you’re still reimbursed while meeting clients where they are.  

These changes could help make this valuable form of therapy more practical for clinicians while broadening accessibility for families in need.  

Making group weight management counseling more accessible  

Obesity remains a pressing public health issue, and Medicare wants to address it by opening up better support for group counseling focused on weight management. These proposals could greatly improve access and reimbursement for therapy sessions.  

What’s changing?  

Medicare is proposing improved reimbursement for group sessions that focus on behavior changes, such as better nutrition and exercise habits. These sessions would involve 2-10 participants, last 30 minutes, and provide sustainable strategies for managing weight.  

Additionally, the option for group weight management counseling to be conducted via telehealth is being considered. For clients, this introduces the flexibility to join from home while maintaining engagement. For clinicians, it ensures consistent income while staying connected with clients who may otherwise struggle to attend in-person sessions.  

This shift could help empower therapists to regularly offer valuable programs to their clients, contributing to long-term health improvements.  

What this means for therapists and practice owners  

These Medicare proposals aren’t just tweaks to existing policies; they could redefine the way you provide care. For therapists and practice owners, these changes may expand opportunities to offer life-changing services in flexible ways. For clients, they address accessibility issues and create more equitable healthcare options.  

Be part of the change  

Submitting public comments on Medicare regulations is a powerful way to show your support for these proposed positive changes and help ensure they are implemented. When federal agencies propose new rules, they are legally required to consider public input before finalizing them. By voicing your approval, you can help push these positive changes forward and demonstrate widespread backing for improvements that benefit everyone. Public comments amplify the voices of individuals, professionals, and organizations, ensuring that the final rules reflect the needs and perspectives of the broader community—not just those of insiders or industry lobbyists. 

To submit a comment, visit the Regulations.gov page for the proposed rule.  

1. Click the blue “Comment” button on the upper right of the page. You can write your comment directly in the text box or upload a document.  
2. When writing, start with a clear statement of your position, provide specific examples or data to support your perspective, and offer constructive suggestions if possible.  
3. After submitting, you’ll receive a tracking number and can monitor the process through the site.  

Your participation isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential to making sure policies work in the real world.  

By sharing your experiences and insights, you can ensure policies are built with real-world care in mind. It’s an opportunity to co-create a better future for both therapists and clients. Advocate today!  

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