Yes, Medicare covers telehealth visits for seniors. If you have been wondering whether you can see your doctor from home through a video or phone call and still have Medicare pay for it, the short answer is: you can. Medicare expanded telehealth access during the pandemic, and Congress extended those expanded rules through the end of 2027.

Ready to try a telehealth visit with a physician who accepts Medicare? Schedule a virtual care visit with NuGen Medicine today. We serve patients in Arizona, California, Florida, and Colorado.

But the details matter. Not every service is covered the same way, costs depend on your specific plan, and some of these rules could change after 2027. This guide breaks down exactly what Medicare covers for telehealth, how much you will pay, and how to get started with virtual visits.

What Is Medicare Telehealth Coverage?

Medicare telehealth coverage refers to the set of virtual medical services that Medicare will pay for when delivered through video, audio, or other digital communication tools. Instead of driving to a clinic, you connect with your doctor from your living room using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Before 2020, Medicare only covered telehealth under strict conditions. You had to be in a rural area, and you had to travel to an approved medical facility (like a clinic or hospital) to receive the virtual care. That meant telehealth was not practical for most Medicare beneficiaries.

When the COVID-19 public health emergency began, Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) removed those restrictions. Since then, Medicare has covered telehealth visits from your home, regardless of where you live. According to CMS, telehealth use among Medicare beneficiaries grew by over 60% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Medicare Telehealth Rules in 2026-2027: What Changed

The 2026 Extension

On February 3, 2026, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 (H.R. 7148) was signed into law. This legislation extended Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027. Before this extension, several key telehealth provisions were set to expire, which would have forced patients back to pre-pandemic restrictions.

What the Extension Means for Seniors

Through the end of 2027, Medicare beneficiaries can continue to:

• Receive telehealth services from home (no requirement to travel to a medical facility)
• Access telehealth from any location in the United States, not just rural areas
• Use audio-only phone calls for certain covered services
• See their established providers through virtual visits without geographic restrictions

What Happens After 2027?

Starting January 1, 2028, unless Congress acts again, most telehealth services will revert to pre-pandemic rules. That means beneficiaries would generally need to be at an approved medical facility in a rural area to use telehealth. The major exception is behavioral and mental health services, which Congress made permanently available via telehealth from home in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

If you are currently using telehealth for primary care, chronic disease management, or other non-mental-health services, establishing a relationship with a telehealth provider now gives you continuity of care regardless of what happens after 2027.

What Telehealth Services Does Medicare Cover?

Primary Care and Routine Visits

Medicare covers standard office visits conducted via telehealth, including follow-up appointments, annual wellness visits, and general check-ups. If a service would be covered during an in-person visit, it is likely covered as a telehealth visit under the current rules.

Chronic Disease Management

For seniors managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or heart disease, telehealth has become a practical way to stay on track with treatment plans. Medicare covers telehealth visits for chronic disease management, including medication reviews, lab result discussions, and care plan adjustments.

Many practices, including NuGen Medicine, also offer remote patient monitoring programs that pair with telehealth visits. Devices like blood pressure cuffs or glucose monitors send readings directly to your care team, who can then address concerns during a scheduled virtual appointment.

Mental Health and Behavioral Health

Mental health is the one area where Medicare telehealth coverage is permanent, not temporary. Congress authorized ongoing coverage for telehealth mental health services from home with no geographic restrictions. This includes psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluations, depression screenings, and counseling.

There is one condition to keep in mind: after 2027, new patients will need an in-person visit within six months before their first mental health telehealth appointment, and then at least once every 12 months. Patients who established care before December 31, 2027, only need annual in-person visits going forward.

Preventive Care and Wellness Visits

Medicare covers certain preventive services through telehealth, including diabetes self-management training, medical nutrition therapy, cognitive assessments, and advance care planning. Your preventive health screenings may include a virtual component where your doctor reviews results and discusses next steps.

Specialist Consultations

If your primary care physician refers you to a specialist, that initial or follow-up consultation can often happen via telehealth. Covered specialist telehealth services include cardiology follow-ups, endocrinology consultations, pulmonary rehabilitation, and speech therapy.

Audio-Only (Phone) Visits

Not everyone has reliable internet or is comfortable with video calls. Medicare currently covers audio-only telephone visits for behavioral health services and certain other appointments. This is particularly helpful for seniors in areas with limited broadband access or those who prefer the simplicity of a phone call.

Want to learn more about using telehealth for your specific health needs? Book an online consultation with NuGen Medicine. Dr. Ghadimi and our care team can help determine which of your appointments can be handled virtually.

Medicare Part B vs. Medicare Advantage: Telehealth Differences

Original Medicare (Part B) Coverage

Under Original Medicare, Part B covers telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits. You pay your standard Part B deductible, plus 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount. If you have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan, your supplemental insurance may cover part or all of that 20% coinsurance.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover at least everything that Original Medicare covers, including telehealth. Many Medicare Advantage plans go further by offering additional telehealth benefits, such as expanded provider networks for virtual care, lower copays for telehealth visits, and coverage for services like virtual urgent care that might not be covered under Original Medicare.

Check with your specific Medicare Advantage plan to understand your telehealth benefits, since coverage details vary by insurer and plan type.

How Much Does a Medicare Telehealth Visit Cost?

The cost of a telehealth visit under Medicare is generally the same as an in-person visit. According to Medicare.gov, after you meet your Part B deductible ($257 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the service.

For a typical telehealth office visit, that means your out-of-pocket cost is usually between $20 and $50, depending on the complexity and length of the appointment. If you have Medigap coverage, your supplement may reduce or eliminate that coinsurance.

If you do not have Medicare or are curious about costs outside of insurance coverage, see our guide on telehealth costs without insurance.

How to Use Telehealth With Medicare: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have never used telehealth before, getting started is simpler than most people expect. Here is what you need:

Step 1: Check Your Equipment

For a video visit, you need a device with a camera and microphone. A smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with a webcam all work. For audio-only visits, a regular telephone is all you need. Make sure your internet connection is stable if you are using video.

Step 2: Choose a Provider

Confirm that your doctor offers telehealth appointments and accepts Medicare. If you are looking for a physician-led telehealth practice that accepts Medicare, NuGen Medicine offers telehealth primary care across Arizona, California, Florida, and Colorado.

Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment

Call your provider’s office or use their online scheduling tool. When booking, specify that you would like a telehealth appointment. Most practices offer both video and phone options.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit

Before your appointment, have your Medicare card ready along with a list of current medications, any recent lab results, and your questions for the doctor. Find a quiet, well-lit room where you can speak privately.

Step 5: Connect and Meet With Your Doctor

At your appointment time, join the video call using the link or instructions your provider sent, or answer the phone if it is an audio-only visit. Your doctor will conduct the visit just as they would in person: reviewing your health, discussing concerns, adjusting medications, and ordering any tests if needed.

For a more detailed walkthrough of virtual appointments, read our guide on what to expect at your first telehealth appointment.

When Should Seniors Choose Telehealth vs. In-Person Care?

Telehealth Works Well For

• Medication reviews and refills
• Follow-up visits after a procedure or hospital stay
• Mental health therapy and counseling
• Chronic condition check-ins (blood pressure reviews, diabetes management, thyroid follow-ups)
• Reviewing lab or imaging results
• Minor acute issues (cold, flu, UTI symptoms, rashes)
• Advance care planning and health goal discussions

In-Person Visits Are Better For

• Physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment
• Vaccinations and injections
• Diagnostic procedures (EKGs, blood draws, imaging)
• New or worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, or neurological symptoms
• Wound care or minor surgical procedures

A good telehealth practice will tell you when an in-person visit makes more sense. At NuGen Medicine, Dr. Ghadimi offers both in-person appointments at our Scottsdale, Arizona clinic and telehealth visits across four states, so you always have the right option for your situation.

Medicare Telehealth in Arizona, California, Florida, and Colorado

While federal Medicare rules apply nationwide, each state also has its own telehealth regulations that affect how care is delivered. Here is what seniors in NuGen Medicine’s service areas should know:

• Arizona: Arizona has broad telehealth parity laws requiring commercial insurers to cover telehealth the same as in-person care. Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona can access telehealth from home statewide. Learn about telehealth services in Arizona.
• California: California’s telehealth access act supports audio and video visits with no geographic restrictions for state-regulated plans. Medicare telehealth rules apply independently, but California providers are well-established in virtual care delivery. Explore telehealth services in California.
• Florida: Florida allows telehealth delivery across state lines for licensed providers and has no originating site restrictions for state-regulated plans. Read our guide to Florida telehealth services.
• Colorado: Colorado requires telehealth parity for commercial plans and supports audio-only visits. Medicare beneficiaries in Colorado benefit from both federal and state-level support for virtual care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Medicare stop covering telehealth?

Current telehealth flexibilities are authorized through December 31, 2027. After that, most services (except mental and behavioral health) would revert to pre-pandemic restrictions unless Congress passes additional legislation. Given how widely telehealth is now used, many healthcare policy experts expect further extensions or permanent changes.

Does Medicare cover telehealth for mental health?

Yes. Mental and behavioral health telehealth coverage is permanent under Medicare. You can receive therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and counseling from home with no geographic restrictions. After 2027, new patients will need one in-person visit before starting telehealth mental health care, with annual in-person visits after that.

Can I use my phone for a Medicare telehealth visit?

Yes, for certain services. Medicare covers audio-only telephone visits for behavioral health and some other appointment types. Check with your provider about whether your specific visit qualifies for a phone-only appointment.

Do I need a referral for a Medicare telehealth visit?

Under Original Medicare, you generally do not need a referral to see a specialist or schedule a telehealth visit. Some Medicare Advantage plans may require referrals depending on the plan structure. Check your specific plan’s rules.

Is telehealth covered under Medicare Advantage?

Yes. All Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same telehealth services that Original Medicare covers. Many plans offer additional telehealth benefits, including lower copays and expanded virtual care options.

How do I know if my doctor offers Medicare telehealth visits?

Call your doctor’s office and ask if they offer telehealth appointments for Medicare patients. If you are looking for a new provider, NuGen Medicine offers physician-led telehealth with Medicare acceptance across four states.

How NuGen Medicine Makes Medicare Telehealth Simple

At NuGen Medicine, we believe healthcare should be accessible, personal, and convenient, especially for seniors managing multiple health needs. Dr. Nima Ghadimi, our board-certified internal medicine physician with over 20 years of experience and Mayo Clinic training, provides direct physician care through both in-person and virtual visits.

Here is what sets our telehealth experience apart for Medicare patients:

• Physician-led care: You see the same experienced doctor at every visit, not a rotating roster of providers
• Four-state coverage: Virtual visits available in Arizona, California, Florida, and Colorado
• Full-service practice: Chronic care management, preventive care, mental health, and specialty services all under one roof
• Simple scheduling: Book your telehealth appointment online or by phone, with same-week availability
• In-person when needed: Our Scottsdale clinic is available for examinations, procedures, and services that require hands-on care

Ready to see how telehealth works with your Medicare coverage? Schedule your first telehealth appointment with NuGen Medicine, or call our office to learn more about your coverage options.