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Telehealth Service Changes
BBAHC is providing an update to our valued patients about telehealth coverage changes that took effect on October 1, 2025.
Key Change: Congress did not extend the telehealth flexibility. This means CMS (Medicare) rules reverted on October 1, 2025. As a result, Medicare patients may no longer be covered for most telehealth services.
Exceptions: Behavioral Health and End-Stage Renal Disease telehealth audio only (telephone) appointments may be covered if made from the patient’s home. Audio/video (VTC) may be covered if made from the patient’s home or a medical facility, including a village clinic. However, coverage will require an in-person visit be completed 6 months prior to the first telehealth service and every 12 months after.
Important: We kindly ask all patients to verify with their insurance provider whether telehealth services are included in their benefits. If telehealth is not covered by your plan, appointments will be considered self-pay. Registration staff will be contacting patients with upcoming telehealth appointments to reschedule them as in-person visits as needed.
To reschedule a telehealth visit, please call our Patient Access Department at (907) 842-9688. For more information about the telehealth coverage changes, please contact the Patient Accounts Department at (907) 842-5201, ext. 6201. In Alaska, you may call toll free (800) 478-5201.
Key Change: Congress did not extend the telehealth flexibility. This means CMS (Medicare) rules reverted on October 1, 2025. As a result, Medicare patients may no longer be covered for most telehealth services.
Exceptions: Behavioral Health and End-Stage Renal Disease telehealth audio only (telephone) appointments may be covered if made from the patient’s home. Audio/video (VTC) may be covered if made from the patient’s home or a medical facility, including a village clinic. However, coverage will require an in-person visit be completed 6 months prior to the first telehealth service and every 12 months after.
Important: We kindly ask all patients to verify with their insurance provider whether telehealth services are included in their benefits. If telehealth is not covered by your plan, appointments will be considered self-pay. Registration staff will be contacting patients with upcoming telehealth appointments to reschedule them as in-person visits as needed.
To reschedule a telehealth visit, please call our Patient Access Department at (907) 842-9688. For more information about the telehealth coverage changes, please contact the Patient Accounts Department at (907) 842-5201, ext. 6201. In Alaska, you may call toll free (800) 478-5201.