Telehealth provides remote healthcare using communication technology. Medicare covers some telemedicine services, but coverage may be limited starting in September 2025.
Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, gives people access to essential medical care without the need to travel to a healthcare facility. A person can communicate with a doctor on the phone or computer.
Telehealth first evolved in the late 1950s. More recently, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people developed a need for telehealth because they could not or preferred not to leave their homes to go to a healthcare facility.
Because of this, Medicare expanded its coverage for telehealth. Currently, a person can still take advantage of many of these telehealth services under Medicare. This article discusses how telehealth works under Medicare and which elements of the service Medicare covers.
Is Medicare still covering telehealth?
In 2020, Medicare lifted many restrictions on telehealth due to the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. However, these restrictions will again be effective in September of 2025.
Some exceptions will still apply, depending on the exact health service a person requires and their location. As a result, a person may want to check with their healthcare professional’s office if they are able to continue using telehealth services from September onwards.
Telehealth broadly refers to the use of communication technology to provide remote healthcare. Medicare Part B covers outpatient services and also covers certain telehealth services.
That said, remote healthcare does not work for all medical concerns, and some services may still require in-person visits. After the initial visit, a healthcare professional will assess whether the individual requires further in-person evaluation, testing, or treatment.
A person should check with their policy or doctor to see if Medicare can cover their transportation needs. Those in an office or medical facility in a rural area may still receive telehealth services. Some exceptions will also apply, such as :
- monthly end stage renal disease (ESRD) visits for home dialysis
- services for diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of symptoms of an acute
stroke - services to treat a substance use disorder or a co-occurring mental health disorder, or for the diagnosis,
evaluation or treatment of a mental health condition - behavioral health services
- diabetes self-management training
- medical nutrition therapy
What counts as telehealth?
Typical telehealth services may include preventive health screenings, routine office visits, and mental health services. Per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), examples of the various telehealth services that Medicare covers include:
- occupational therapy evaluations
- physical therapy evaluations
- group psychotherapy
- speech therapy
- therapeutic exercises
- doctor’s office visits
According to the National Council on Aging, people with a Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, generally have similar coverage for telehealth services as those with parts A and B (Original Medicare).
However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer expanded telemedicine services, especially if a person participates in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO).
Private insurers administer Medicare Advantage plans, so the exact telehealth services that a person’s plan includes may vary. An individual should determine coverage through their insurance provider directly.
People with Medicare pay the same amount for telehealth services as they would for in-person services. For standard services, Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost, while the person covers the remaining 20%. That said, a person first has to meet the Part B deductible of $257.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are managed by private insurers and have different premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance depending on a person’s plan. According to the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS), the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17.00 in 2025.
Telehealth provides medical services via a remote connection between an individual and their healthcare professional. Medicare covers various types of telemedicine services.
Currently, many services are available through telemedicine. However, come 2025, restrictions may apply to a number of services. Certain exclusions will apply depending on the service and a person’s location. A person’s best option involves consulting a healthcare professional directly to determine whether they offer telehealth services and their costs.