Medicare.gov

Telehealth

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers certain telehealth services

  • Covered by Part B

  • After the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount

Description

Telehealth includes medical or health services that you get from your health care provider who's located somewhere else (in the U.S.) using audio and video communications technology (or audio-only services in some cases), like through your phone or a computer. Telehealth can provide many services that generally occur in-person, including office visits, psychotherapy, consultations, and certain other medical or health services.

Coverage details

Through January 30, 2026, Medicare covers telehealth services that you can get from anywhere in the U.S., including your home. Starting January 31, 2026, you must live in a rural area and go to an office or medical facility that’s also in a rural area (in the U.S.) for most telehealth services. If you aren't in a rural area, you can still get these Medicare telehealth services on or after January 31: 

  • Monthly End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) visits for home dialysis
  • Services for diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of symptoms of an acute stroke wherever you are, including in a mobile stroke unit
  • Services for the diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of a mental and/or behavioral health disorder (including a substance use disorder) in your home

Medicare Advantage Plans and some providers in Original Medicare may offer more telehealth benefits than the basic coverage in Original Medicare. For example, you may be able to get some services from home, no matter where you live. If your provider in Original Medicare participates in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), check with them to find out what telehealth benefits may be available.

Costs

After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor or other health care provider's services.

For most telehealth services, you'll pay the same amount that you would if you got the services in person.

Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.

Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.

Specific amounts you could owe depend on:

  • Other insurance you may have

  • How much your doctor charges

  • If your doctor accepts assignment

  • The type of facility

  • Where you get your test, item, or service