Medicare Telehealth Coverage: A Comprehensive Guide

Telehealth has rapidly transformed healthcare access, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries. While initially expanded during the COVID-19 public health emergency, many telehealth flexibilities have been extended, offering continued convenience and access to care. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare telehealth coverage as of March 20, 2026, outlining what services are covered, who is eligible, and what the future holds.

The Rise of Telehealth in Medicare

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare telehealth coverage was limited, primarily serving beneficiaries in rural areas and restricting the types of providers and services included [1]. However, the pandemic spurred a dramatic increase in telehealth utilization. In the second quarter of 2020, nearly half (46.7%) of all eligible beneficiaries received at least one telehealth service, compared to just 6.9% in the first quarter.

Although telehealth use has declined since its peak in 2020, it remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. As of the second quarter of 2025, over one in ten (12.5%) eligible beneficiaries were utilizing telehealth services [1].

What Telehealth Services are Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Part B covers a range of telehealth services, including:

• 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

This list is not exhaustive, and Medicare may cover additional telehealth services. It’s best to check with your healthcare provider for specific coverage details [3].

Through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth services provided from anywhere in the U.S., including the patient’s home [3]. Services can be delivered through audio and video communication, and in some cases, audio-only communication is also permitted.

Who is Eligible for Medicare Telehealth?

All eligible Medicare providers can provide telehealth services through December 31, 2027 [1]. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) can also serve as distant site providers for non-behavioral/mental telehealth services through the same date [1].

Telehealth utilization rates vary among different beneficiary groups:

• Reason for Eligibility: Beneficiaries eligible due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or long-term disability have higher telehealth use rates (37% and 36% respectively) compared to those eligible based on age (23%) [1].
• Dual Eligibility: Individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid have higher telehealth use rates (35%) than those not eligible for Medicaid (23%) [1].
• Geography: Urban beneficiaries (26%) utilize telehealth more often than rural beneficiaries (19%) [1].
• Race and Ethnicity: Telehealth use is highest among Asian and Pacific Islander (30%) and Hispanic (29%) beneficiaries [1].

Cost of Medicare Telehealth Services

Under Medicare Part B, after meeting your annual deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered telehealth services [3]. Medicare Advantage plans and some providers in Original Medicare may offer additional telehealth benefits.

The Future of Medicare Telehealth

Many of Medicare’s telehealth flexibilities were recently extended through December 31, 2027, under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 [1]. However, the future of telehealth beyond 2027 remains uncertain, as ongoing legislative action will determine whether these flexibilities become permanent.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regularly updates its list of Medicare telehealth services, with changes typically taking effect on January 1st [4]. The annual physician fee schedule proposed and final rules are used to implement these changes.