On January 30, 2026, government funding will expire—and with it, therapists and other clinicians will lose two critical Medicare policies unless Congress acts:
- COVID-19 era telehealth flexibilities that allow therapists to provide rehab therapy via telehealth.
- The 1.0 Work Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI) floor, which protects clinician reimbursement nationwide.
The current flexibilities given to therapists to utilize telehealth is again on the brink of termination this January 30th, and without this continued authority many Medicare beneficiaries will lose access to rehab therapy services that help them gain function and mobility. Additionally, another policy that will end on January 30th is the 1.0 Work GPCI floor. This provision is a part of the formula for Part B reimbursement, and without it, provider reimbursement could decrease. This provision has been extended by Congress multiple times. However, it is imperative Congress extends it again to ensure our clinicians do not face more cuts.
Importantly, both of these policies previously lapsed during the October 2025 government shutdown, leading to gaps in coverage, confusion among beneficiaries, and added administrative and financial strain on providers. Congress should ensure that this does not happen again by extending both provisions without interruption.
We urge you to contact your Members of Congress NOW to tell them to pass a permanent telehealth authority, such as H.R. 1614, which will allow PT, OT, and SLPs to permanently use telehealth services and to extend the 1.0 Work GPCI floor.
Please take a few seconds of your time to use your voice to support these issues!