Medicare and Telehealth: What You Need to Know About Coverage in 2025

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Key Takeaways

  • Medicare covers a wide range of telehealth services, including virtual visits, check-ins, and e-visits

  • Mental health services are available via telehealth, with options for audio-only sessions

  • Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional telehealth benefits beyond traditional Medicare

  • Always verify coverage with your provider before accessing telehealth services

  • The future of Medicare telehealth coverage is likely to evolve, with potential for permanent expansion

In an era where digital connectivity is reshaping healthcare delivery, Medicare and telehealth have become increasingly intertwined. This comprehensive guide will explore how telehealth services are covered under Medicare, the benefits they offer, and what you need to know to make the most of these virtual healthcare options in 2025.

Understanding Medicare and Telehealth

Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, allows patients to connect with health care providers remotely via computer, tablet, or phone. This technology has become particularly crucial since the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a safe and convenient way for Medicare beneficiaries to access medical care. The coverage of telehealth has expanded significantly, with ongoing legislative efforts to maintain and enhance these services.

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers several types of telehealth services:

  • Telehealth visits: Full-service virtual appointments

  • Virtual check-ins: Brief check-ins with your provider

  • E-visits: Communications through an online patient portal

These services can include both audio and video components, enabling healthcare providers to better understand and address patients’ concerns, symptoms, and needs.

Medicare Coverage for Telehealth Services

Medicare coverage of telehealth has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in response to the COVID public health emergency. Here’s what you need to know about the current state of telehealth coverage under Medicare in 2025:

Scope of Covered Services

Medicare now covers a broad range of covered telehealth services, including:

  • Routine office visits

  • Preventive health screenings

  • Consultations with eligible providers

  • Acute stroke diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment

  • Substance use disorder treatment

  • Mental health disorder treatment

It’s important to note that while this broader coverage is currently available, some aspects may have changed since the end of the public health emergency declaration.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Telehealth

Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private insurance companies, are required to cover all Part A and Part B benefits provided by Original Medicare. However, many of these plans go a step further by offering additional telehealth benefits not covered by Part B. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s worth checking with your provider to understand the full scope of your telehealth coverage, especially since 49% of Medicare Advantage enrollees utilized telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health Services

Behavioral health services have become a crucial component of Medicare’s telehealth offerings. This expansion has significantly improved access to mental health care, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility issues.

Covered Mental Health Telehealth Services

Medicare covers a wide range of mental health services via telehealth, including:

  • Individual and group psychotherapy

  • Psychiatric evaluations

  • Medication management

  • Substance use disorder counseling

  • Annual depression screenings

Providers of Mental Health Telehealth Services

Various mental health professionals can provide telehealth services under Medicare, including:

  • Psychiatrists

  • Clinical psychologists

  • Licensed clinical social workers

  • Nurse practitioners specializing in mental health

Audio-Only Options for Mental Health Services

Recognizing that not all beneficiaries have access to video technology, Medicare allows the use of audio-only devices for mental health telehealth services. This provision ensures that those without video-capable devices or stable internet connections can still access crucial mental health care.

In-Person Visit Requirement

There is one key requirement to note: beneficiaries must have an in-person visit with their mental health provider within six months before their first telehealth service, and at least once every 12 months thereafter. However, exceptions can be made if the risks and burdens of an in-person visit outweigh the benefits.

Telehealth Services for Other Health Conditions

Beyond mental health, Medicare allows healthcare providers to deliver telehealth services for a variety of health conditions and situations:

  • Management services for chronic conditions

  • Physical therapists and occupational therapists can provide some services via telehealth

  • Speech language pathologists can conduct therapy sessions remotely

  • Home dialysis patients can receive monthly end-stage renal disease-related visits via telehealth

Finding Telehealth Providers and Navigating Medicare Coverage

If you're interested in accessing telehealth services through Medicare, here are some steps you can take:

  1. Ask your current healthcare providers if they offer telehealth options

  2. Use Medicare's Care Compare tool to find telehealth providers in your area

  3. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance

  4. Use the HHS' Health Center Finder to locate federally qualified health centers that offer telehealth

Remember, always verify with your provider that the specific telehealth service you need is covered by Medicare.

Costs and Payment for Telehealth Services

Understanding the costs associated with telehealth services under Medicare is crucial:

  • Telehealth services are covered under Medicare Part B

  • Beneficiaries are subject to the Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance

  • Medicare Advantage plans may have different cost-sharing requirements

  • Since the public health emergency, Medicare has been paying for many telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits

The Future of Medicare and Telehealth

As we look ahead, the future of telehealth coverage under Medicare, including certain Medicare telehealth services, remains a topic of discussion among policymakers. Many are advocating for the permanent expansion of telehealth services beyond the public health emergency provisions. Several bills have been introduced in Congress to broaden Medicare telehealth services permanently.

The potential long-term expansion of telehealth coverage could significantly impact:

  • Quality of patient care

  • Program costs

  • Beneficiary spending

  • Access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas

As telehealth continues to play a crucial role in healthcare delivery, staying informed about your Medicare coverage and options is more important than ever. By understanding the scope of telehealth services available to you, you can make the most of these convenient and accessible healthcare options.

Are you looking to navigate the complex world of Medicare and telehealth services? NavaQuote is here to help! Our team of experts can guide you through your Medicare options, help you understand your telehealth benefits, and find the right coverage for your unique needs. Don’t let confusion about telehealth services keep you from accessing the care you deserve. Contact NavaQuote today and take the first step towards optimizing your Medicare coverage and telehealth benefits!

FAQs

Is Medicare no longer covering telehealth services?

Medicare continues to cover a wide range of telehealth services. While some expanded coverage was implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency, many telehealth services remain covered in 2025.

Is Medicare still paying for telehealth visits in 2024?

Yes, Medicare is still covering telehealth visits in 2025. However, the exact scope of coverage may have changed since the end of the public health emergency. It's best to check with Medicare or your provider for the most up-to-date information.

What type of telehealth is covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers various telehealth services, including virtual check-ins, e-visits, and full telehealth visits for services like primary care, mental health, and certain specialist consultations. This includes services provided by doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers.

Can you use Teladoc if you are on Medicare?

While Original Medicare doesn't directly contract with Teladoc, some Medicare Advantage plans may include Teladoc services. Check with your specific plan to see if Teladoc or similar telehealth platforms are covered under your Medicare benefits.

*Disclaimer: This page has not been reviewed or endorsed by Medicare.gov or any member of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).