Does Medicare cover telehealth visits?

Yes, Medicare covers a wide range of telehealth services including mental health therapy, primary care visits, specialist consultations, and chronic care management. Both Original Medicare (Part B) and Medicare Advantage plans provide telehealth coverage, with many pandemic-era expansions now made permanent by Congress.

Can I receive Medicare telehealth from my home?

Yes, Medicare now allows you to receive telehealth services from your home anywhere in the United States. Geographic restrictions have been largely removed for most services, making it easier for beneficiaries to access virtual healthcare without traveling to a medical facility.

How much does Medicare telehealth cost?

With Original Medicare, you pay 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible, the same as in-person visits. Medicare Advantage plans often have lower copays for telehealth, sometimes $0-$30 per visit, and some plans include free telehealth services.

Does Medicare cover mental health therapy via telehealth?

Yes, Medicare provides substantial mental health coverage via telehealth including individual psychotherapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. Unlike some private insurance plans, Medicare does not impose annual limits on the number of mental health sessions you can receive.

Does Medicare cover audio-only telephone telehealth visits?

Yes, Medicare covers audio-only telehealth visits in certain circumstances, particularly for mental health services. This option is available for established patients, those with technology barriers, and patients in rural areas with limited internet access. Some services may still require video capability.

What telehealth services are NOT covered by Medicare?

Medicare telehealth does not cover services requiring physical examination, hands-on medical procedures, lab work like blood draws, or imaging such as X-rays and MRIs. However, these tests can be ordered through a telehealth visit. Services from providers not enrolled in Medicare are also not covered.

Medicare & Telehealth Coverage

Medicare telehealth coverage has expanded significantly, making it easier for beneficiaries to access healthcare from home. This guide explains how telehealth works with Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, what services are covered, and what you'll pay for virtual visits.

Medicare Telehealth Coverage Overview

Medicare now covers a wide range of telehealth services:

Mental health services: Therapy, counseling, and psychiatry
Medical visits: Primary care and specialist consultations
Home-based care: You can receive telehealth from your home
Multiple modalities: Video and, in many cases, audio-only visits

The COVID-19 pandemic led to major expansions in Medicare telehealth, and many of these changes have been extended or made permanent by Congress.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) Telehealth Coverage

Part B (Medical Insurance) Telehealth

Medicare Part B covers outpatient telehealth services including:

Office visits: Virtual consultations with your doctor
Mental health: Individual and group psychotherapy
Psychiatry: Diagnostic evaluations and medication management
Preventive services: Annual wellness visits via telehealth
Chronic care management: Ongoing management of chronic conditions
Substance use treatment: Counseling and treatment services

Where You Can Receive Telehealth

Medicare now allows you to receive telehealth services from:

Your home
Anywhere in the United States
No geographic restrictions for most services

Mental Health Telehealth Specifics

For mental health services:

Initial visits may need to be in-person or via video (not audio-only) for some services
Periodic in-person visits may be required (typically every 12 months)
Exceptions exist for patients who cannot travel due to health conditions
Audio-only mental health visits are covered in many circumstances

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Telehealth

Medicare Advantage plans often offer enhanced telehealth benefits:

All Original Medicare benefits: Everything covered by Parts A and B
Additional telehealth services: Many plans offer extra virtual care options
Built-in telehealth programs: Some plans include free telehealth services
Lower cost-sharing: Some plans have reduced copays for telehealth
24/7 nurse lines: Many plans include round-the-clock support

Common Medicare Advantage Telehealth Benefits

Unlimited virtual primary care visits
Mental health therapy with $0 or low copays
Specialist telehealth consultations
Virtual urgent care
Remote monitoring programs

Check your specific Medicare Advantage plan's benefits, as coverage varies by plan and region.

What You'll Pay for Medicare Telehealth

Original Medicare Costs

Part B premium: Standard monthly premium applies
Deductible: Part B deductible applies (before Medicare pays)
Coinsurance: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after deductible
Same as in-person: Costs are generally the same as in-person visits

Medigap (Supplemental Insurance)

If you have a Medigap policy:

May cover some or all of your 20% coinsurance
May cover the Part B deductible (depending on plan)
Coverage applies to telehealth just like in-person services

Medicare Advantage Costs

Copays vary by plan (often $0-$30 for telehealth)
Some plans offer $0 copay virtual visits
Check your plan's Summary of Benefits

Covered Telehealth Provider Types

Medicare covers telehealth services from various provider types:

Physicians (MDs and DOs)
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
Physician assistants (PAs)
Clinical psychologists
Clinical social workers
Licensed professional counselors (in some cases)
Marriage and family therapists (in some cases)
Certified nurse-midwives
Clinical nurse specialists
Registered dietitians and nutrition professionals

The provider must be enrolled in Medicare and licensed in your state.

Finding Medicare Telehealth Providers

Medicare.gov Provider Search

Use the official Medicare provider finder to search for providers who offer telehealth:

Visit Medicare.gov
Use the "Find healthcare providers" tool
Filter for providers offering telehealth

Telehealth Platforms Accepting Medicare

Some telehealth platforms accept Medicare:

Teladoc – Accepts Medicare for many services
MDLive – Medicare coverage available
Talkiatry – Medicare-accepting psychiatry
Amwell – Works with some Medicare plans

Always verify Medicare acceptance before your appointment.

Your Current Providers

Ask your existing Medicare providers if they offer telehealth visits. Many providers who accept Medicare in-person also offer virtual appointments.

Mental Health Coverage Under Medicare

Medicare provides substantial mental health coverage via telehealth:

Covered Mental Health Services

Individual psychotherapy: One-on-one therapy sessions
Group psychotherapy: Therapy in a group setting
Psychiatric evaluation: Initial diagnostic assessment
Medication management: Prescription and monitoring by psychiatrists
Psychological testing: When medically necessary
Partial hospitalization: Intensive outpatient programs

No Session Limits

Unlike some private insurance plans, Medicare does not impose annual limits on the number of mental health sessions you can receive.

In-Person Visit Requirements

For ongoing mental health care via telehealth:

An initial in-person or video visit may be required (audio-only may not suffice for establishing care)
Periodic in-person visits may be required (currently every 12 months for some services)
Exceptions exist for patients with difficulty traveling
These requirements may change – check current Medicare guidelines

Audio-Only (Telephone) Telehealth

Medicare covers audio-only telehealth in certain circumstances:

Mental health services: Audio-only visits are broadly covered
Established patients: Generally requires an existing relationship with the provider
Technology barriers: Available for patients who cannot use video technology
Rural areas: Important option for those with limited internet access

Note: Some services may still require video capability. Check with your provider about specific requirements.

Medicare Telehealth: What's NOT Covered

Some limitations still apply:

Certain examinations: Services requiring physical examination
Procedures: Hands-on medical procedures
Lab work: Blood draws and similar tests (though they can be ordered via telehealth)
Imaging: X-rays, MRIs, etc. (can be ordered via telehealth)
Non-Medicare providers: Providers not enrolled in Medicare

Tips for Using Medicare Telehealth

Verify coverage: Confirm your provider accepts Medicare and offers telehealth
Understand your costs: Know your deductible status and expected copay/coinsurance
Have your Medicare card ready: Providers will need your Medicare information
Test your technology: Ensure your device, internet, and camera/microphone work
Find a private space: Telehealth visits deserve the same privacy as in-person visits
Prepare your questions: Write down what you want to discuss with your provider
Keep records: Save visit summaries and any instructions from your provider

Medicare Telehealth Policy Changes

Medicare telehealth rules have changed significantly and continue to evolve:

Pandemic expansions: Many temporary flexibilities have been extended
Legislation: Congress has passed laws making some changes permanent
Annual updates: Medicare rules are updated each year
Stay informed: Check Medicare.gov for the latest information

Related Guides

Important Reminder

This guide provides general educational information only. Medicare rules are complex and change frequently. This guide may not reflect the most current policies, and specific coverage depends on your individual situation.

For accurate information about your Medicare benefits, contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), visit Medicare.gov, or contact your Medicare Advantage plan. This is not benefits advice, and decisions about your healthcare coverage should be made with accurate, current information from official sources.