Is telehealth still covered under Medicare in 2026?

Question

Mike Alexander · Accepted Answer

In 2026, medicare will limit some Tele Doc services  as a lot of the covid era enhancements are not available in the fitute.

Shelly Hefley · Answer

Yes, telegraphy is still a covered service, also depending on the type of service provided. This also may be dependent on your actual coverage, if an Advantage plan may have written that exclusion into their plan. It’s best to review your coverage with your specific plan or have your local insurance agent assist.

Answered by Shelly Hefley on February 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN

Answered by Shelly Hefley Medicare Insurance Agent

Nick Mangini · Answer

Yes it's still covered under Medicare.  If you have Medicare & Supplement plan you should eliminate all costs!

Edward MacConnell · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/is-telehealth-still-covered-under-medicare-in-2026#edward-macconnell

Nicholas Depke · Answer

Telehealth coverage under Medicare has been an evolving topic since it expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 2026 brings some important updates. Congress extended many of the telehealth flexibilities through the end of 2026, meaning Medicare beneficiaries can still access a wide range of telehealth services from their home rather than having to travel to an originating site like a rural clinic or hospital. This includes visits with doctors, mental health providers, and certain specialists conducted via video or phone. Medicare Advantage plans have generally been even more flexible with telehealth benefits than Original Medicare, so if you are on an Advantage plan it is worth reviewing your plan documents or calling your carrier to understand exactly what is covered. The telehealth landscape has shifted frequently in recent years, so checking with your agent or visiting medicare.gov for the most current guidelines is always a smart move.

Answered by Nicholas Depke on March 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in NE, AZ, FL & 15 other states

Answered by Nicholas Depke Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Kaemmerer · Answer

Yes it is as long as you have part  B of Medicare. You can contact me if you have any more questions!

Jason Wisniewski · Answer

Telehealth is only covered by Medicare Advantage plans in 2026. Original Medicare will not cover it in 2026. So you will need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if you want Telehealth

Bob Thompson · Answer

As of my last update in 2023, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans had expanded coverage for telehealth services, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made temporary changes to allow for greater access to telehealth, and these changes were extended in some form into 2023. However, the specifics of telehealth coverage beyond 2023, especially into 2026, would depend on evolving policies and regulations.
Here's what we know about the coverage trends:
Medicare (Original Medicare):
As of 2023, Medicare covered a broad range of telehealth services, including virtual visits with doctors, mental health counseling, and preventive health services, with some restrictions depending on the type of service and the patient's location.
Beneficiaries could receive telehealth services without being limited to rural areas, as had been the case before the pandemic.
The continuation of these policies into 2026 would likely depend on federal legislative actions, but the trend has been to keep and even expand telehealth access.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans:
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, and these plans were more flexible with telehealth benefits during and after the pandemic. In many cases, they expanded telehealth coverage to include virtual care for a broader array of health issues.
Medicare Advantage plans generally have more flexibility than Original Medicare, so the specific telehealth benefits could vary from plan to plan. As with Original Medicare, the continuation of telehealth benefits in Advantage plans would likely depend on plan design and any future legislative or regulatory changes.
Possible Changes by 2026:
Given that telehealth has become a popular and widely used service, there is a good chance that the coverage for these services will be at least somewhat permanent. However, the specifics (which services are covered, where they are available, and how they are reimbursed)

Joe Graves · Answer

Yes, it has been extended through December 31st, 2027.  Here is the link to the source of the information

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/telehealth

Sam Scarcella · Answer

Yes, telehealth visit are covered under original Medicare for some services thru 2027. Common examples including primary care follow ups, specialist consultations and nutrition counseling.

Brian Sanet · Answer

The answer is no, but... It depends! As of January 31 of this year, Telehealth for the general public stopped working EXCEPT, for people living in "rural" areas or people with specific health issues like end stage real disease, acute stroke and some mental or behavioral disorders. These specific issues might make it too difficult to see a physician in person so their access has been kept in order.

Answered by Brian Sanet on March 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, CT, MA & NC, NY, PA & VT

Answered by Brian Sanet Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Bambrick · Answer

Yes, telehealth is still covered by Medicare. 
I personally have used it twice this year for sinus infections.
It's a nice option to see the doctor from your kitchen table.

Danielle Jimison · Answer

If you're on Original Medicare, telehealth is more limited in 2026 unless your condition qualifies.
If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, you likely still have broad access to virtual care ,especially from home.
Always check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or call Member Services to confirm which telehealth services are included.

Anthony Albano · Answer

Telehealth would depend on the carrier. I’m sure. I represent United healthcare and we still offer telehealth services with our Medicare advantage plans

Ken Correa · Answer

Yes. Telehealth is covered under Medicare for 2026. In fact, it is covered through 2027. Most of my doctors use telehealth for my follow up appointments. So, if you depend on this service as I do this is very good news.

Answered by Ken Correa on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in CA

Answered by Ken Correa Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Mullinax · Answer

Some of the plans do cover telehealth visits. If you speak with your agent they should be able to help you navigate which ones do and do not. We are always available to help navigate any questions you may have regarding any of your concerns.

Answered by Mark Mullinax on November 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA, AL, FL & NC, SC, TN & TX

Answered by Mark Mullinax Medicare Insurance Agent

Is telehealth still covered under Medicare in 2026?

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Is telehealth still covered under Medicare in 2026?

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