Does Medicare Cover Telehealth?

Telehealth includes medical or health services that you get from your health care provider who's located somewhere else (in the U.S.) using audio and video communications technology (or audio-only communication in some cases), like through your phone or a computer. You can communicate with your provider through telehealth in several ways, including e-visits (non-face-to-face communications that usually happen through an online patient portal) and virtual check-ins (brief, real-time communications that usually last 10 minutes or less).

Telehealth can provide many services that generally occur in-person, including office visits, psychotherapy, consultations, and more. Through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth services that you can get from anywhere in the U.S., including your home. Examples of Medicare-covered telehealth services include:

• Advance care planning
• Cardiac rehabilitation services
• Caregiver training services
• Cognitive assessments
• Depression screenings
• Diabetes self-management training
• Medical nutrition therapy services
• Outpatient psychotherapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation services
• Speech therapy

Medicare may cover more telehealth services than those listed above. Check with your doctor or other health care provider for more information about the services you can get through telehealth.

Medicare Advantage Plans and some providers in Original Medicare may offer more telehealth benefits than the basic coverage in Original Medicare. For example, you may be able to get some services from home, no matter where you live. If your provider in Original Medicare participates in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), check with them to find out what telehealth benefits may be available.

After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor or other health care provider's services.

For most telehealth services, you'll pay the same amount that you would if you got the services in person.