You Might Have Telehealth Through Medicare—But Are You Actually Taking Advantage?

Key Takeaways

• Medicare continues to cover a wide range of telehealth services in 2025, but many beneficiaries still underuse these benefits despite eligibility.

• Understanding what’s covered, how to access it, and the cost-sharing rules can help you fully benefit from Medicare’s telehealth offerings.

Medicare Telehealth in 2025: Still Going Strong

Telehealth is no longer a temporary solution. What began as an emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a standard offering under Medicare. In 2025, you still have access to many telehealth services, often without needing to leave your home. But are you using them to your advantage?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made several of the pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities permanent or extended through at least the end of 2025. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, this means expanded access to care—if you know what’s available and how to use it.

What Services Can You Access Through Telehealth?

Medicare covers a broad set of telehealth services. These include, but are not limited to:

• Primary care visits (routine checkups and follow-ups)

• Mental health counseling and psychiatric evaluations

• Specialist consultations (e.g., cardiology, endocrinology)

• Chronic disease management

• Preventive screenings (when appropriate)

• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy evaluations

In many cases, you can access these services from your home. That’s a major shift from pre-2020 rules, which required you to be in certain medical facilities or rural areas to qualify.

How Long Will Medicare Cover Telehealth Services?

For now, Medicare telehealth flexibilities are extended through December 31, 2025. Congress and CMS may extend them further, but it’s important to act now while access is broad.

Some services, especially those related to mental health, are permanently covered when delivered via telehealth. For example:

• Mental health services from home: As of 2022, Medicare allows you to receive mental health care via telehealth even after the public health emergency ended.

• Audio-only services: These are also covered in specific circumstances—important if you don’t have video technology.

Who Can Provide Telehealth Services to You?

Only specific types of healthcare providers can offer covered telehealth services. In 2025, this includes:

• Physicians

• Nurse practitioners

• Physician assistants

• Clinical psychologists

• Clinical social workers

• Registered dietitians and nutrition professionals

These professionals must use approved secure platforms to deliver care. Some services can be provided via audio-only (telephone), but many require live, interactive video communication.

Where Can You Receive Telehealth Services?

You can receive telehealth services in your home, or in some cases, at:

• A doctor’s office

• A hospital or clinic

• A skilled nursing facility

• A community health center

• A rural health clinic

But most significantly, home-based telehealth continues to be covered through the end of 2025. This allows you to avoid transportation issues and still access timely care.

What Will You Pay for Telehealth Services?

You typically pay the same amount for a telehealth visit as you would for an in-person visit. That means:

• 20% coinsurance under Medicare Part B after you meet the annual deductible ($257 in 2025)

• The Part B premium of $185 per month also applies

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, it may help cover your share of the cost. If you have other health coverage (like from an employer or union), your actual costs may vary depending on coordination rules.

Note: You must be enrolled in Part B to access telehealth services.

Not All Telehealth Is the Same—What to Watch For

It’s important to understand that Medicare only covers telehealth services that meet specific requirements:

• Real-time communication: The visit must be live—not recorded—between you and your provider.

• Approved providers: Only certain licensed professionals are authorized to provide reimbursable care.

• Approved services: Not all health care services are eligible for telehealth coverage.

Make sure to ask your provider if your telehealth visit is covered by Medicare before scheduling it.

Telehealth and Mental Health—A Growing Priority

Mental health is one of the biggest focus areas for telehealth in 2025. Medicare allows continued access to services like:

• Therapy and counseling sessions

• Medication management for mental health conditions

• Psychiatric evaluations

Telehealth is especially helpful if you have transportation challenges or prefer to talk with your provider from a private space. You’re also allowed to use audio-only services for mental health care if video is not feasible for you.

However, a face-to-face in-person visit is required once every 12 months for ongoing tele-mental health services. This rule helps ensure continuity and quality of care.

Technology: Do You Have What You Need?

You don’t need complicated tools to use Medicare-covered telehealth. Basic requirements include:

• A phone or computer with internet access

• A camera and microphone for video visits

• A secure email or app-based communication system, depending on the provider

Providers often send a link before your appointment. Some use healthcare portals, while others send a direct video link you can open in a browser.

If you’re not comfortable with technology, ask a family member to help set things up. Or let your provider know—you may qualify for audio-only services.

When Should You Use Telehealth vs. In-Person Care?

Telehealth is useful for many situations, but it’s not a replacement for all in-person care. Here’s when telehealth may be a smart option:

• You’re managing a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease

• You need a follow-up after surgery or hospitalization

• You require mental health support

• You want to discuss lab or imaging results

• You need a refill for ongoing medications

But for services like physical exams, vaccinations, or emergency care, an in-person visit is still necessary. Use telehealth for convenience, not as a full replacement.

Common Misunderstandings About Medicare Telehealth

Even in 2025, many people still misunderstand how Medicare telehealth works. Here are a few common myths:

• Myth: Telehealth isn’t covered anymore. Medicare continues to cover a wide range of services through the end of 2025, and mental health telehealth is here to stay.

• Myth: You need to be in a rural area. That rule no longer applies for most telehealth services.

• Myth: You must use video only. Some audio-only visits are allowed, especially for mental health.

• Myth: You need special software. Most visits use simple links or secure websites.

Understanding the truth behind these myths can help you make more confident choices about your care.

How to Schedule a Telehealth Visit in 2025

To get started with telehealth through Medicare:

1. Check with your provider: Ask if they offer Medicare-covered telehealth and what conditions apply.

2. Schedule your visit: Depending on your provider, you may schedule online, by phone, or through a portal.

3. Get set up: Ensure your device is ready. Run a quick test of your video and audio if needed.

4. Attend your appointment: Log in at the scheduled time and have your questions ready.

Also, keep your Medicare number and any supplemental insurance information nearby during the call.

Looking Ahead: Will Telehealth Last Beyond 2025?

The future of Medicare telehealth depends on legislative action. While temporary extensions are approved through December 31, 2025, many policymakers and health experts support making telehealth permanent.

The value it offers—convenience, safety, and access—especially for older adults, is clear. But that also means you should take advantage of it now, while coverage is robust and rules are relaxed.

Make Medicare Telehealth Work for You

Telehealth is not just a pandemic-era perk—it’s a valuable way to access healthcare conveniently and efficiently in 2025. But it’s only beneficial if you know how to use it. Too many Medicare beneficiaries are missing out simply because they’re unsure about eligibility, coverage, or how to schedule a visit.

If you haven’t explored telehealth yet, now is the time. Or if you’ve tried it in the past but stopped, 2025 brings new opportunities to reconnect with your providers from home.

If you’re unsure where to start or whether your care needs qualify, speak with a licensed agent listed on this website to review your options and make informed choices.