Medicare Telehealth: What's Covered
Telehealth — seeing your doctor by phone or video instead of in person — is covered by Medicare for many types of visits. Here's what's included and what you'll pay.
What counts as telehealth
Telehealth means getting care from a provider located elsewhere in the U.S., using audio and video technology — or audio-only in some cases — like your phone or a computer. This includes full video visits as well as shorter formats: "e-visits" (messages through an online patient portal) and "virtual check-ins" (brief real-time calls, usually 10 minutes or less).
What's covered
Through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth services you can get from anywhere in the U.S., including your own home — an expanded flexibility that used to be more restricted by location. Covered telehealth services include things like:
- Office visits and consultations
- Outpatient psychotherapy
- Advance care planning
- Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services
- Diabetes self-management training
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Depression screenings and cognitive assessments
- Speech therapy
Medicare may cover more telehealth services than this list — ask your provider what's available for your specific care.
What you pay
After you meet your Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount — for most telehealth services, that's the same amount you'd pay for the same visit in person.
Medicare Advantage may offer more
Medicare Advantage plans, and some Original Medicare providers who participate in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), may offer broader telehealth benefits than the baseline Original Medicare rules described here. If you have Medicare Advantage, check your plan's specific telehealth benefits. See the full Original Medicare vs. Advantage comparison →
How the telehealth badge on this site works
A "Telehealth available" badge on a provider card reflects CMS enrollment data showing that clinician offers telehealth at that practice location. It's a signal, not a guarantee for every visit type — call the office to confirm which of your specific care needs can be handled remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover telehealth visits?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers many telehealth services delivered by audio and video, and in some cases audio-only, from a provider located elsewhere in the U.S. Through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth from anywhere, including your home.
What do I pay for a telehealth visit?
The same as an in-person visit, generally: after your Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
What does the telehealth badge on this site mean?
It means CMS records show this clinician offers telehealth at this practice location. It doesn't guarantee every visit type is available by telehealth — ask the office which services they offer remotely.
Does Medicare Advantage cover telehealth too?
Often more generously. Medicare Advantage plans and some Original Medicare providers in Accountable Care Organizations may offer broader telehealth benefits than the baseline Original Medicare coverage — check your specific plan.
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Source: Medicare.gov, "Telehealth" coverage page. This is directory and program information, not medical or insurance advice. Last reviewed August 2026.