CTeL Digital Health Summit session on Capitol Hill brought key voices together to dissect the complex economics of telehealth. While the overarching theme was a necessary shift from debating "cost savings" to proving "cost-effectiveness," a closer look at the discussion reveals critical details that provide a richer understanding of the challenges and opportunities in scoring telehealth's true value.

At CTeL Spring Digital Health Summit, a critical keynote discussion warned that as artificial intelligence becomes woven into the fabric of healthcare, the industry's traditional focus on patient privacy is no longer sufficient. The new, more pressing challenges are national security threats and, most critically, the integrity of the data that underpins every AI-driven decision.

The panel, "National Security Requirements: AI Integration into Digital Health Platforms," featured insights from Michael McLaughin, Esq., a cybersecurity and government relations expert, and Andrew Taylor, MD, from the University of Virginia. They painted a picture of a healthcare landscape rapidly adopting powerful AI tools while struggling with the immense security and governance challenges they create.

June 10, 2025, the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL) is making its presence felt on Capitol Hill, as its dedicated members engage in a crucial series of meetings with key legislative offices. Their mission: to advocate for robust policies that will not only sustain the advancements made in digital health but also propel them forward, ensuring accessible, high-quality care for all Americans.

The energy in Washington D.C. is palpable as CTeL members, representing the forefront of digital health innovation, are directly addressing influential lawmakers and their staff. These aren't just polite introductions; they are in-depth discussions aimed at forging bipartisan solutions to critical issues.

The proposed reintroduction and expansion of Medicaid work requirements represent a significant shift in health policy, ostensibly aimed at promoting employment and reducing healthcare expenditures. However, a comprehensive examination of historical implementations and projected impacts reveals a starkly different reality. This report synthesizes extensive research to demonstrate that these restrictions are empirically proven to lead to substantial coverage losses, disproportionately burdening vulnerable populations, escalating emergency room utilization, and increasing overall healthcare costs across the system. Far from achieving their stated objectives, Medicaid work requirements function primarily as a mechanism for disenrollment, imposing significant administrative and financial strains on individuals, healthcare providers, and state economies, ultimately undermining the very foundations of public health and economic stability.

The expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in June 2024 has severed a critical lifeline for over 23 million American households, disproportionately impacting their ability to access essential telehealth services. One year later, the consequences are stark: a measurable decline in telehealth usage, particularly among the nation's most vulnerable populations, and a growing body of evidence revealing the profound negative impacts on the health and well-being of those who relied on this vital program.

The clock is ticking. We are standing at the edge of a precipice, a "telehealth cliff" that could fundamentally reshape the future of healthcare in America. Next week, the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL) is convening the nation's leading minds to address this urgent challenge at the Spring 2025 CTeL Digital Health Summit. This isn't just another conference; it's a critical gathering to navigate the precarious policy landscape and champion a sustainable future for digital health.

As a digital health policy expert, the phrase "September 30, 2025" sends shivers down my spine – and likely yours too, if you’re operating in the telehealth space. This isn't just another date on the calendar; it's the precipice of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) Medicare waivers. For years, these waivers have been the bedrock of expanded virtual care access, allowing providers unprecedented flexibility. Now, as depicted in the insightful graphic from CTeL (May 2025), we face a critical juncture.

The prevailing discourse around digital health policy often traps us in a reactive mindset. We pore over expiring waivers, decipher intricate new codes, and ensure our platforms tick every HIPAA box. This compliance-driven game, while necessary, fundamentally misses the point. For those truly shaping the future of healthcare, policy isn't a barrier to overcome; it's the very blueprint for a digitally optimized health ecosystem.

The true visionary doesn't merely adapt to the rules; they aim to define them. They’re not asking, "How do we comply with the post-PHE rules?" They’re asking: "How do we codify the value proposition of continuous, digitally-enabled care, not just reactive virtual visits? How do we accelerate AI's integration into clinical workflows? And how do we build a data liquidity pipeline that truly empowers patients?"

Understanding the Medicare Impact: S-PAYGO and Sequestration Explained

Unlike the direct program reductions seen in Medicaid, the Medicare impact stems primarily from a mechanism designed to manage federal expenditures: the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (S-PAYGO).

H.R.1, while introducing policies that aim to update Medicare payment methodologies like conversion factor calculations, is also projected to increase the federal deficit by an estimated $2.3 trillion over the next ten years (Congressional Budget Office, 2025). This substantial projected increase triggers the S-PAYGO rule. Under this law, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is mandated to reduce spending on non-exempt mandatory programs, and notably, Medicare falls into this category.

The policy landscape is always shifting, and this past weekend brought a significant tremor with the release of the House Energy & Commerce Committee's initial draft text for its contribution to the Republican Party's major reconciliation bill. Set for markup tomorrow, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, this legislation represents a substantial proposed restructuring of federal Medicaid regulation and funding, alongside notable provisions touching upon artificial intelligence (AI). For CTeL members operating at the intersection of health policy and technological innovation, understanding these changes is crucial.  

If enacted in its current form, it would introduce profound changes with wide-ranging implications for providers, states, and crucially, patient access and the operational environment for digital health technologies.

The digital health space is booming, bringing incredible innovation and expanding access to care. Yet, navigating the intricate web of policies and regulations governing this dynamic field can feel like a constant game of whack-a-mole. Misinformation abounds, leading to confusion, compliance risks, and missed opportunities.

In this edition of Digital Health Policy Mythbusters, we're tackling three common misconceptions that digital health delivery professionals encounter. Get ready to bust some myths, dive into the facts, and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to thrive in this ever-changing environment.

Recently, the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTEL) joined the Friends of ASTP, a coalition of organizations supporting the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP). This coalition recently sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) expressing concerns about the proposed elimination of ASTP and its functions.

A recent letter from key Congressional leaders to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) signals continued scrutiny and potential shifts in Medicaid policy. For organizations operating in the telehealth, digital health, and virtual care space, understanding these developments is crucial for strategic planning and ensuring continued access to care for vulnerable populations.

The initial 100 days of the Trump administration have ushered in a period of significant policy shifts with notable ramifications for the digital health sector. A strong emphasis on deregulation, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), has been a hallmark of this early period. While this approach presents potential avenues for accelerated innovation in digital health technologies, it also introduces uncertainty regarding oversight and safeguards. The administration's focus extends to addressing chronic disease through the "Make America Healthy Again" commission, which could indirectly influence the trajectory of digital health solutions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles. In contrast, actions such as the repeal of the "Richardson Waiver" and workforce reductions at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) raise concerns about transparency and the capacity of the government to effectively support and regulate the digital health landscape. The extension of telehealth flexibilities provides a degree of stability in the short term, yet the long-term policy framework for virtual care remains a key area of concern. Furthermore, increased scrutiny of remote patient monitoring programs through audits signals a focus on ensuring compliance and preventing misuse within this growing segment of digital health. The digital health community, as represented by organizations like the Center for Telehealth & e-Health Law (CTeL), continues to play a vital role in advocating for policies that foster innovation while ensuring patient safety and equitable access.

The digital health sector is built on the secure and efficient handling of sensitive health information. As technology evolves and global connections deepen, so do the complexities of protecting this data. A significant new development in this landscape is the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) final rule on "Preventing Access to U.S. Sensitive Personal Data and Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern or Covered Persons." Published on January 8, 2025, this rule introduces critical restrictions and compliance obligations that CTeL members operating in digital health must understand.

Our nation's health relies on a sophisticated network of medical devices, advanced digital technologies, and essential supplies. From the AI hardware driving diagnostic breakthroughs to the telehealth platforms connecting rural patients with specialists, technology is revolutionizing healthcare delivery. However, many of these critical tools are manufactured overseas, and current tariff policies, without strategic exemptions, place American healthcare, our economy, and our national security at risk

The Center for Telehealth & e-Health Law (CTeL) expresses deep concern over the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) omission of key language in its finalized Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program rule—specifically, language clarifying the applicability of anti-discrimination law to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in MA plan administration.

In an era when AI is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, the failure to explicitly state that civil rights laws apply to algorithmic decision-making in federally funded health programs like Medicare Advantage is a critical oversight. CTeL views this as a missed opportunity to reinforce patient protections and promote equity in the use of emerging technologies.

The recent implementation of tariffs by President Donald Trump has introduced significant challenges for the U.S. healthcare system, particularly affecting hospitals and health systems. These tariffs include a baseline 10% levy on all foreign imports, with higher reciprocal tariffs on specific countries, such as 54% on China and 20% on the European Union (The Times, 2025). While these measures are designed to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce trade deficits, they pose substantial risks to healthcare supply chains, escalate costs, and potentially compromise patient care. Understanding these ramifications is critical, as the economic burden could extend beyond hospitals to affect the broader public through increased healthcare costs and potential reductions in service quality.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a major restructuring aimed at streamlining operations, improving coordination, and enhancing efficiency in delivering healthcare services. These changes will have significant implications for hospitals, health systems, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) telehealth providers. Below is an overview of the restructuring and what healthcare stakeholders need to know.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) and Health-ISAC recently issued a joint threat bulletin warning of a potential coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack targeting hospitals. While the credibility of the threat remains unverified, the bulletin emphasizes the urgent need for hospitals to reassess cybersecurity, physical security, and emergency response plans​.

To provide a deeper understanding, we analyze this warning through the lens of digital health, cybersecurity, HIPAA compliance, patient rights, and healthcare infrastructure. Here’s what most healthcare leaders overlook—and how they should respond.