Does Medicare cover telehealth visits?

What telehealth services does Medicare cover?

Medicare Part B covers certain telehealth services: medical or health services you get from a health care provider located somewhere else in the U.S., using audio and video communication technology (or audio-only communication in some cases), like through your phone or a computer. Telehealth can provide many services that generally happen in person, including office visits, psychotherapy and consultations. Medicare may cover more telehealth services than the examples below, so check with your doctor or other provider about the services you can get through telehealth. Examples of Medicare-covered telehealth services include:

• Advance care planning (see Medicare and 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

Can I get Medicare telehealth at home?

Yes. Through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth services that you can get from anywhere in the U.S., including your home. Medicare.gov's telehealth page gives that date and doesn't describe the rules after it, so check Medicare.gov or ask your provider for updates.

What do I pay for a Medicare telehealth visit?

After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor or other health care provider's services. For most telehealth services, you pay the same amount you would if you got the services in person. What you owe can also depend on other insurance you have, how much your doctor charges and whether your doctor accepts assignment.

What is a Medicare virtual check-in?

A virtual check-in is a brief, real-time conversation with your doctor or certain other health care providers using audio or video technology, like your phone or a computer, usually lasting 10 minutes or less, to decide whether you need an office visit or another service. Your provider can assess photos or videos you send and respond by phone, virtual delivery, secure text message, email or a patient portal. Medicare Part B covers virtual check-ins, and after the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. You must meet these conditions:

• You talked to your provider about starting these types of visits.
• You verbally consent to the virtual check-in, and your provider documents your consent in your medical record. Your provider may get one consent for a year's worth of these services.

What is a Medicare e-visit?

An e-visit is a non-face-to-face communication with your doctor or other health care provider through an online patient portal, instead of going to the office, and you must ask your provider for one. Medicare Part B covers e-visits, and after the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Providers who can give e-visits include:

• Doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and physician assistants.
• Physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.
• For mental health care services: licensed clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors.

Does Medicare Advantage cover more 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. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer more virtual check-in services than Original Medicare, so check with your plan to find out what it offers. If your provider in Original Medicare participates in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), ask what telehealth benefits may be available. See how Medicare Advantage differs from Original Medicare.