Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover telehealth visits?
Yes — Medicare permanently expanded telehealth coverage. Part B covers video and audio-only visits with doctors, mental health providers, and many specialists from your home. You pay the same 20% coinsurance as in-person visits after your Part B deductible. No special equipment is needed — a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera is sufficient.
What telehealth services does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers telehealth for primary care visits, specialist consultations, mental health therapy and psychiatry, chronic disease management, medication management, certain emergency department visits, diabetes self-management education, and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Audio-only phone visits are also covered for patients without video capability.
Does Medicare cover phone calls with doctors?
Yes — Medicare covers audio-only telephone visits when a patient does not have access to video technology. Your doctor can conduct an evaluation, manage chronic conditions, and prescribe medications via phone call. The same cost-sharing applies as in-person visits. This benefit is especially important for rural seniors and those with limited technology access.
How do I start a telehealth visit with Medicare?
Call your doctor's office and request a telehealth appointment. They will send you a link (for video) or call you at the scheduled time. Most practices use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Doxy.me, or their patient portal. You do not need to download anything — a smartphone browser works for most platforms.
Is telehealth as good as in-person care for seniors?
For many conditions, yes. Telehealth is excellent for medication management, mental health therapy, follow-up visits, chronic disease monitoring, and care coordination. It is not appropriate for physical examinations, procedures, imaging, or lab work. A hybrid approach — using telehealth for routine follow-ups and in-person for hands-on evaluations — is often optimal.
Medicare now permanently covers telehealth — meaning you can see your doctor, therapist, or specialist from home via video or phone. This change, made permanent after the pandemic demonstrated its value, has transformed access for seniors with mobility limitations, rural residents, and anyone who prefers the convenience of home visits. Here is what is covered and how to use it.
What Medicare Covers via Telehealth
Medicare Part B covers a broad and expanding list of telehealth services including primary care and specialist visits, mental health therapy and psychiatry (see our mental health coverage guide), chronic disease management for diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, medication reviews and management, diabetes self-management education, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation sessions, and hospice care consultations.
Notably, mental health telehealth received a significant expansion — seniors can now receive ongoing mental health therapy via telehealth without an in-person visit first, removing a major access barrier for those with depression or anxiety.
Audio-Only Phone Visits
Not every senior has a smartphone or comfortable with video technology. Medicare covers audio-only telephone visits for patients who cannot or choose not to use video. Doctors can evaluate symptoms, manage medications, and coordinate care via phone call. The same cost-sharing applies as video visits — this is not a reduced-benefit service.
Mental Health Telehealth — Special Rules
Mental health telehealth has its own expanded rules. Seniors can receive therapy and psychiatry services at home without first visiting a facility in person. Audio-only mental health visits are also covered. There is no annual limit on telehealth mental health visits when medically necessary. This has been transformative for seniors in rural areas or with mobility challenges who previously had limited mental health access.
How to Access Telehealth Through Medicare
- Call your existing providers first. Most primary care doctors and specialists now offer telehealth. Ask at your next appointment or call the office to schedule a telehealth visit.
- Verify Medicare participation. Confirm the provider accepts Medicare for telehealth visits — most do, but verify before the appointment.
- Test your technology. Before your first telehealth visit, test your camera and microphone. Most platforms have a simple test function. Your provider's office can help you troubleshoot.
- For audio-only: Simply tell your provider you prefer a phone call visit. They will call you at the scheduled appointment time.
What Telehealth Cannot Replace
Physical examinations, blood draws, imaging, procedures, and anything requiring hands-on evaluation must be done in person. Telehealth is a complement to in-person care, not a replacement. Use it for follow-ups, medication management, and mental health — schedule in-person visits for new symptoms requiring physical examination.
- Ask your doctor's office about telehealth options at your next visit
- Mental health therapy is now available via telehealth without an in-person prerequisite
- Audio-only phone visits are fully covered if you prefer not to use video
- Telehealth costs the same as in-person visits — 20% coinsurance after your deductible
- With Medigap Plan G, telehealth visits cost $0 after the annual Part B deductible
→ Medicare Mental Health Coverage
→ Medicare Part B: What It Covers
→ Free Medicare Preventive Services