Key Takeaways
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Medicare continues to expand telehealth coverage in 2025, but there are significant changes in access, services, and requirements you should understand.
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Not all telehealth services are covered equally, and readiness—both in terms of technology and awareness—is essential for ensuring you receive the care you need.
Telehealth’s Rapid Expansion: Where Things Stand in 2025
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has shifted from a rare convenience to a regular part of healthcare. In 2025, Medicare continues to support this growth, but with more structured policies than in 2020–2023. While emergency flexibilities allowed widespread virtual care, the current rules are more refined, emphasizing cost management, quality, and appropriate use.
In 2025, Medicare covers many telehealth services under both Part B and Medicare Advantage plans. Commonly approved services include:
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Office visits
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Mental health counseling
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Preventive screenings
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Chronic disease management
However, the scope of what is covered and how it’s delivered has been updated. It’s no longer a free-for-all. Instead, Medicare sets clear standards for where, how, and when telehealth can be used.
What Has Changed Since 2024?
Several key changes have come into play in 2025:
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Geographic restrictions are back: Medicare now limits some telehealth services to patients in rural or underserved areas unless specific conditions apply.
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In-person requirements: For mental health services, Medicare requires an in-person visit within 6 months prior to your first telehealth session, and annually thereafter.
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Audio-only rules tightened: Audio-only visits are still allowed for mental health and substance use services but are not as broadly accepted as during the pandemic years.
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Remote monitoring: More emphasis is placed on Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), especially for chronic conditions, but Medicare requires specific documentation and frequency standards.
These adjustments are aimed at reducing fraud, encouraging appropriate use, and preserving the integrity of the Medicare system.
Who Can Use Telehealth in 2025?
Medicare beneficiaries across the country can still access telehealth, but your ability to use it depends on several factors:
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Location: If you live in a rural or underserved area, you may have broader access to telehealth services, especially for certain specialties.
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Technology access: You need a stable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with video capabilities. Audio-only visits are limited in scope.
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Health condition: Some conditions are more suited for telehealth than others. Mental health, diabetes management, and post-surgical follow-ups are common examples where telehealth works well.
Telehealth is no longer a universal substitute—it’s now a supplementary care option that must be used strategically.
Telehealth Under Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage
There’s a growing difference between what’s available under Original Medicare (Part B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C).
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Original Medicare typically follows CMS guidelines strictly. Only approved telehealth services are reimbursed, often with geographic restrictions.
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Medicare Advantage plans, however, can offer broader access. Some plans in 2025 continue to include virtual visits as part of their core service package, including expanded wellness and behavioral health programs.
You should review your plan details carefully, especially during the Open Enrollment Period from October to December. If you’re unsure, talk with a licensed agent listed on this website to go over your current coverage.
What Telehealth Services Are Covered in 2025?
Medicare currently covers a broad—but not unlimited—range of telehealth services. These include:
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Primary care and follow-ups
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Behavioral and mental health services
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Speech, occupational, and physical therapy (if previously established in-person)
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Chronic care management
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Preventive services like screenings and counseling
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Substance use disorder treatment
However, some services must still begin with an in-person evaluation, particularly those involving ongoing therapy or mental health treatment.
Telehealth is no longer used simply for convenience—it’s viewed as a clinical tool. Your provider must document medical necessity and ensure care standards are met.
Common Challenges Facing Medicare Beneficiaries
Despite the growth of telehealth, many Medicare recipients still face significant obstacles:
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Digital literacy: Not everyone feels comfortable using video conferencing tools.
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Connectivity issues: Reliable internet access remains limited in many rural or low-income areas.
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Awareness gaps: Many patients don’t realize telehealth is available for more than just doctor consultations.
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In-person requirements: Annual in-person check-ins for certain services can disrupt continuity of care if transportation is a barrier.
While Medicare encourages telehealth use, it assumes a certain level of digital readiness that many older adults may not have. This limits equitable access.
How You Can Prepare for Telehealth in 2025
If you want to use telehealth more effectively under Medicare, here’s how to get ready:
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Schedule your annual in-person visit if you plan to use telehealth for mental health services.
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Ask your provider which services they offer via telehealth and whether they accept Medicare.
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Update your technology if needed—older devices may not work smoothly with modern telehealth platforms.
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Set up your patient portal or telehealth account ahead of time.
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Test your audio and video setup before your scheduled appointment.
Being prepared can help avoid appointment disruptions and ensure you get the care you expect.
Cost and Coverage Considerations
Under Original Medicare, telehealth visits are generally covered at the same rate as in-person visits. In 2025, you’re responsible for:
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20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you’ve met your Part B deductible
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No separate telehealth surcharge—telehealth is reimbursed the same way as traditional visits
Medicare Advantage plans may offer different cost structures. While some offer copay reductions or bundled virtual services, others may treat telehealth the same as in-person services.
Make sure to verify with your provider if a particular telehealth service is covered and whether you’ll face any out-of-pocket costs.
Policy Timelines You Should Know
Several timelines are crucial for understanding what’s covered now and what might change:
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Permanent telehealth policies were enacted post-2024, refining the looser emergency rules in place during the public health emergency.
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In-person mental health visit requirements apply from July 2023 onward and remain active through 2025 unless future policy changes occur.
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CMS will review telehealth utilization data again in late 2025, which may affect 2026 coverage.
You should stay updated on policy shifts. Coverage you rely on today may not be guaranteed in future years.
Where Telehealth Is Headed Next
Telehealth is entering a more mature phase. The era of widespread experimentation is giving way to standardization. Here’s what you might expect in the near future:
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More integration with wearable tech and home monitoring tools
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Expanded behavioral health access, especially for substance use support
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Better care coordination between in-person and virtual providers
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Improved fraud controls as Medicare tightens identity and service verification
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Training programs to help older adults use digital tools confidently
If you’re not comfortable with the current tools or unsure how to use them, it’s time to take action. Telehealth isn’t going away—it’s becoming more essential to your overall care.
What This Means for Your Care
Telehealth can be a powerful way to receive timely care, manage chronic illness, and stay connected with providers—if you’re ready. But in 2025, it’s no longer as simple as logging in and getting treated.
You’ll need to:
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Stay informed about coverage changes
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Keep your technology up to date
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Fulfill in-person requirements
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Advocate for yourself during Annual Enrollment
Telehealth can save you time, reduce exposure to illness, and support your independence. But readiness matters. Use this moment to assess whether your current setup meets Medicare’s new reality.
If you have questions about your plan’s telehealth benefits or want help understanding the changes, speak with a licensed agent listed on this website. They can walk you through the details and help you find a solution that fits your needs.
