Like Dorothy famously said, there’s no place like home, especially if you have a lot of doctors, specialists, and appointments. There’s something nice about receiving medical care from the comfort of your living room, and that’s precisely what telehealth allows seniors to do.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of telehealth for seniors on Medicare and what services are covered under Medicare.
Benefits of Telehealth Services for Seniors
Telehealth services have many benefits, including:
Increased Access to Healthcare for Rural Residents: With limited access to medical facilities in these areas, seniors may have to travel long distances to receive care. Telehealth eliminates the need to travel so you can receive medical care from the comfort of your own home. Telehealth is especially beneficial for seniors with mobility issues or those who find it challenging to travel long distances. By providing access to medical professionals remotely, telehealth helps ensure that seniors living in rural areas receive timely medical care without the added burden of travel.
Convenience and Flexibility: Telehealth appointments can be scheduled at a convenient time for the senior, eliminating the need for travel and waiting rooms. Additionally, telehealth services offer flexibility regarding the type of appointment and medical professional available, as seniors can access specialists from various fields remotely.
Improved Health Outcomes: By providing seniors with easier access to medical care, telehealth can help seniors manage chronic conditions and receive preventative care. Regular telehealth check-ins can also improve overall health outcomes by allowing doctors to catch potential issues before they become serious health problems.
What does Original Medicare cover?
Original Medicare covers telehealth services under Part B. (There are currently special rules due to the COVID-19 pandemic that Medicare will cover further in this article.)
Once you’ve met the Part B deductible ($226 in 2023), you’ll only need to pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount for your doctor or healthcare provider’s services. And the good news is, with many telehealth services, you won’t have to pay any more than you would for an in-person visit.
Telehealth services – such as telephone or video appointments – are covered under Original Medicare in the following circumstances:
- You live in a rural area and must travel to receive medical care.
- You require monthly End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) visits for home dialysis.
- You need to diagnose, evaluate or treat a possible acute stroke.
- You require treatment for a substance use disorder or to diagnose or treat a mental health disorder.
Medicare also covers virtual check-ins and e-visits. Virtual check-ins are brief audio or video communications to avoid unnecessary office visits. E-visits are another way to communicate with your medical team through a patient portal.
Medicare provides a list of approved services that medical practitioners can provide remotely.
What does Medicare Advantage cover?
While each plan is different, and you must confirm with your provider, many Medicare Advantage plans to cover telehealth services. Each plan is required to cover what is covered under Original Medicare. However, many plans expand their coverage to include telehealth services even if you are not in a rural area.
If attending appointments can be a real challenge, you’ll want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan that provides comprehensive coverage for telehealth services.
Protecting Yourself From Fraud
Seniors need to protect themselves from fraud when using telehealth services. Medicare fraud can take many forms, including providers billing for services not provided or charging for unnecessary services. Seniors should always be wary of unsolicited calls or emails offering free medical equipment or services.
For example, a telemedicine company may call you and offer you a brace. They have not done any or minimal diagnostic testing to determine whether or not you need it. Regardless, you may find yourself the recipient of multiple braces, all charged to Medicare.
Think of your Medicare number like your credit card – carefully protect it! These criminals can be very sophisticated in how they attempt to defraud seniors. Still, by staying informed and vigilant, you can help protect yourself and ensure you’re only being charged for the services and supplies you receive.
COVID-19 and Telehealth Coverage
During the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Medicare expanded its telehealth coverage by waiving location requirements, allowing providers to bill for telehealth visits at the same rate as in‑person visits, and broadening the types of eligible providers. Many of these flexibilities were initially introduced as temporary measures to reduce exposure risks.
For 2025, several of these telehealth provisions have been extended—with many becoming permanent for certain services. For example:
- Location Flexibility: The waiver that allowed telehealth visits to occur from a patient’s home (rather than a designated healthcare facility) continues for a broad range of services.
- Payment Parity: Providers may continue to bill telehealth services at the same rate as in‑person visits, ensuring that patients have consistent access to care.
- Provider Eligibility: A wider range of healthcare professionals remains authorized to offer telehealth services under Medicare.
While many of these changes have been extended into 2025, some aspects may still be subject to review or periodic updates by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It’s important for beneficiaries to check with their healthcare providers and review CMS updates or the Medicare website for the most current information on telehealth services available in 2025.
Navigating Medicare and Telehealth Services With The Medicare Family
Navigating your Medicare coverage can be a daunting experience, especially for seniors who may not be as familiar with the healthcare system. That’s where the Medicare Family comes in.
For over 40 years, we have helped seniors understand their Medicare benefits, choose the right plans for their specific needs and make the most out of their telehealth services. We provide personalized guidance and support to ensure seniors receive the care they need.
With our help, you can easily navigate the complex world of Medicare, knowing that you have someone you trust by your side every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in navigating Medicare.
