Medicare Telehealth Benefits: How to See Your Doctor from Home

Medicare's telehealth coverage expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic -- and many of those expansions have been extended or made permanent. Today, Medicare beneficiaries can receive a wide range of healthcare services via video or phone from the comfort of home. Here is what is covered and how to use it.

Medicare covers telehealth services under Part B, subject to standard cost-sharing (20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible). Medigap Plan G covers this 20%.

Primary care and specialist visits:

• Evaluation and management visits (routine office visits via video)
• Consultations with specialists
• Follow-up visits for chronic conditions
• Medication management

Mental health services:

• Individual psychotherapy
• Group psychotherapy
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Substance use disorder counseling
• Opioid use disorder treatment

Preventive services:

• Annual Wellness Visit (via telehealth)
• Diabetes prevention program (virtual delivery)
• Tobacco cessation counseling

Chronic disease management:

• Remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) -- devices that transmit health data (blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, pulse oximetry) to your care team
• Chronic Care Management coordination

Other covered telehealth services:

• Nutrition counseling
• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation (in some circumstances)
• Diabetes self-management training

For beneficiaries who cannot use video technology -- due to lack of equipment, internet access, or technical ability -- Medicare covers audio-only telephone visits for many services, including:

• Evaluation and management visits
• Mental health services
• Substance use disorder treatment

Audio-only visits are an important accommodation for older adults who may not be comfortable with video technology.

Remote patient monitoring allows your care team to track your health data between visits using connected devices:

• Blood pressure monitors: For hypertension management
• Blood glucose monitors: For diabetes management
• Pulse oximeters: For COPD, heart failure, or post-COVID monitoring
• Weight scales: For heart failure management
• Cardiac monitors: For arrhythmia detection

Medicare covers RPM setup, device supply, and monthly data review by your care team. This is particularly valuable for managing chronic conditions and catching deterioration early.

Step 1: Contact your doctor's office and ask if they offer telehealth visits.

Step 2: Schedule a telehealth appointment. Your doctor's office will provide instructions for connecting.

Step 3: For video visits, you will need:

• A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone
• A reliable internet connection
• The video platform your provider uses (Zoom, Doxy.me, Epic MyChart, etc.)

Step 4: At your appointment time, connect using the provided link or instructions.

• Test your technology before the appointment -- camera, microphone, and internet connection
• Find a quiet, private space with good lighting
• Have your medication list ready -- your doctor will likely review your medications
• Write down your questions in advance
• Have your blood pressure cuff or other monitoring devices nearby if relevant

Telehealth visits are billed the same as in-person visits under Part B -- 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible. There is no additional cost for receiving care via telehealth vs. in-person.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.