I live in a rural area with limited specialists and am interested in telehealth options. How does Medicare cover virtual visits for someone in my location?

Question

Alison Hummel · Accepted Answer

Original Medicare does cover telehealth visits and I will cut and paste information regarding telehealth visits as it relates to original Medicare here 

However… 

I want to bring to your attention the importance of comparing original Medicare, Medicare Supplement or Medigap and then Medicare Advantage plans, if you live in a rural area and need to access telehealth options. 

Original Medicare, as mentioned above, does include telehealth, however it is limited in its scope, therefore because Medigap or Medicare Supplements simply work WITH Original Medicare…Medicare supplements or Medigap policies are also limited in their scope. 

You can think about Medigap or Medicare Supplement and original Medicare like puzzle pieces. They work together, so if original Medicare cover something, Medicare supplement is required to come in and pick up what original Medicare does not cover at whatever benefit level you have on your plan. 

Medicare advantage plans, however, provide enhanced benefits for telehealth so…oddly…if you’re living in a rural area, a Medicare advantage plan may offer you more options for telehealth that you would otherwise not have access to if you were simply on original Medicare and Medigap. 

The reason I say “oddly” is because Medigap and original Medicare are often said to give you the most freedom and flexibility however, where you live and the network access that you have has a larger impact on the concept of freedom and flexibility as it relates to telehealth in this case. 

This is why it’s so important to work with a broker because your broker can take a look at, not only, what is the “best option” for most people, but what really is the “best option for you.” 

I hope you guys are having a great experience with your Medicare broker and if you’re not simply reach out!

Gary Church · Answer

Living in a rural area does limit your options. The telehealth option is included in Medicare plans. You should talk to a Licensed Medicare agent who can guide you.

Mike Alexander · Answer

Medicare will cover at 80%
If you have an advantage plan many of them offer tele health at a 0 co pay, you may want to check for plana in your area.
If you have a supplement like a Plam G , aome of tge supplemental carriers offer tele health.
You can also enroll in services like tele doc gor an additional premium

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi, thanks for watching. So the question is, this person lives in a rural area with limited specialists and they're interested in telehealth options. They're wondering how Medicare covers a virtual visit. It depends if you're on a Medicare Advantage plan or original Medicare, but many times telehealth is really new or fairly new and it's covered typically at a very low cost or no cost. You can do it through Zoom or different ways like that. But it's very, very low in cost and many, I'll say, maybe not most, many plans cover telehealth at a very low cost.

Norman Smith · Answer

As long as the Doctor is willing to do virtual visitations and then bill Medicare, it will be covered as a standard visitation from Medicare Part B. It is a wonderful benefit of technology that can save you much time and costs!

Answered by Norman Smith on April 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Jonathan Potter · Answer

Medicare itself doesn't cover telehealth options. You need to ask your provider or insurance company if they do provide that service. Many Medicare advantage programs do offer this.

Vincent Murray · Answer

Telehealth is available on most all Medicare Advantage plans. However, making a 50 mile trip to see a doctor when necessary is probably a good idea. You have choices and for routine check ups Telehealth may be a viable option.

Answered by Vincent Murray on October 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in ME, FL & NH

Answered by Vincent Murray Medicare Insurance Agent

Melonie Wood · Answer

Most Virtual visits are available at $0 costs for the member, depending on the Medicare Plan.  If Telehealth is available, that benefit will be listed in the Evidence of Coverage

Misty Bolt · Answer

Most plans cover tele-health for little to no copay. Make sure you tell your agent that is important to you.

Steven Litzsinger · Answer

Medicare covers more telehealth services if you live in a rural area and you go to an office or medical facility that’s also in a rural area (in the U.S.) for your telehealth visit. Some of the telehealth reimbursement for providers that originated from the special provisions due to Covid has since expired as of October 2025. Therefore, it's important to assess your coverage and needs with your local primary care provider and identify the best plan that can meet your needs. 

You may also consider a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) that often has more telehealth coverage than original Medicare.

Kelsey Hentzen · Answer

Many advantage plans offer 24/7 telehealth or nurse line. If you are are original Medicare, part B covers telehealth but subjected to a 20% coinsurance and an annual deductible of $257 for 2025.

Joseph Ritter · Answer

That’s a smart consideration — and yes, Medicare does cover telehealth, and it's especially helpful for people in rural areas like yours.

Jennifer Osborne · Answer

Virtual visits are covered by many plans, but it is still necessary to review plans in your area to ensure your plan has telehealth benefits for your providers.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Be careful here because some MA plans have begun to drop the telehealth perk due to its lack of usage. This is a great example of Medicare benefits on which I have voiced a negative opinion over the years. It is one of the main reasons why I tout a Medicare Supplement plan. Since the scarcity of doctors is more and more commonplace, using the “Non-network” aspect of a Medigap is the better option.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

Medicare Part B typically covers telehealth services if you are at a specific facility such as a doctor's office, hospital, or rural health clinic. 

For other telehealth services outside the ones listed above, some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may cover telehealth, but you may need to pay some out-of-pocket costs. To confirm specific coverage and costs, contact your broker, Medicare plan, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Lea Vollmer · Answer

That would depend on the carrier; all of them are different. The same benefits are not offered in every area. That depends on your plan and what it states in the Summary of Benefits. Call your agent or carrier.

Answered by Lea Vollmer on May 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Lea Vollmer Medicare Insurance Agent

David Haynes · Answer

Many Medicare advantage plans offer telehealth options. You would have to have a primary care provider and go from there. Plans will differ on copay amounts. thank You

Casey Ahlbum · Answer

Yes, Medicare covers Telehealth. In fact, according the Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed in February 2026, extended most of the COVID era Telehealth benefits through December 31, 2027. That means medicare beneficiaries can continue to receive Telehealth services Medicare COVID-era telehealth flexibilities were extended through December 31, 2027. This means beneficiaries can continue to receive services, regardless of location, through the end of 2027.

Answered by Casey Ahlbum on March 17, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AK, AL & 31 other states

Answered by Casey Ahlbum Medicare Insurance Agent

Valerie Schurman · Answer

basically look at your summary of benefits or evidence of coverage information to see how it’s covered under the plan you have

Robert Helmkamp II · Answer

Telehealth options are available for beneficiaries who live in rural areas, this is covered under original medicare part B. Under original medicare, after you meet your part B deductible, you will be responsible for 20% coinsurance. Many medicare advantage plans offer telehealth visits with primary care providers or specialists, sometimes at a $0 copay. Medicare advantage may be a option to consider.

Answered by Robert Helmkamp II on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Robert Helmkamp II Medicare Insurance Agent

Jessica Breland · Answer

You can get telehealth services from your home until 10/1/2025, after that, if in a rural area, you will have to be in a medical office to receive telehealth services (After 10/1/2025 there will be certain services you can still get telehealth for). I advise checking with your Dr beforehand to ensure Medicare will cover the services you need. 
Medicare.gov & the Medicare & You book have a lot of information that may be useful to you.

Fred Manas · Answer

In general, Medicare Part B covers a variety of telehealth services, including virtual visits with doctors and other healthcare professionals, regardless of whether you live in a rural or urban area. Specifically, for beneficiaries in rural areas, telehealth is covered when accessed from a rural health clinic, critical access hospital, federally qualified health center, or certain other designated facilities. See what follows for a more detailed breakdown:
Coverage:
Medicare Part B covers telehealth services, which include virtual check-ins, virtual evaluations, and other virtual visits. 
Location:
For telehealth services, you can be located at home or in a healthcare facility when receiving the service. 
Rural Areas:
In rural areas, telehealth is covered if accessed from a qualifying location, such as a rural health clinic, critical access hospital, or federally qualified health center. 
Geographic Restrictions:
While some telehealth services may have geographic restrictions, many are now covered regardless of location. For example, behavioral/mental health services can be delivered to patients in their homes, even in urban areas. 
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
You will typically have to pay a Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance for telehealth services, as with other Medicare-covered services. 
Medicare Advantage:
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll need to check with your specific plan provider for details on coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Medicare Part B generally covers telehealth services, including virtual visits, for beneficiaries in rural areas like yours, especially when accessed from designated facilities or when certain conditions are met. You may have to pay a deductible and coinsurance, similar to in-person visits.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on June 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

Regional Medicare now covers virtual visits. Therefore there's any costs that are not covered and you have Medicare supplement plan, it will pay the rest 
As for virtual visits under Medicare advantage plans that depends on the company that you sign up with 
Most companies do allow virtual visits anymore because they're cost effective for minor things and much more time efficient for doctors

Jack Mayer · Answer

Telehealth is available through a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you have a Supplement, some of the Healthcare Providers provide that service too.

Eizel Mere · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans include different benefits. One of those is teleconsults. Going over different plans is th best way to choose the best one for you.

Toni Cormier · Answer

Medicare Part A and B and Medicare Advantage (C) cover virtual telehealth visits by eligible providers; however, its important to be aware these visits are subject to copays and deductibles.

Toni Chavez · Answer

Thanks for your question! You would want to check with the specialists you are looking to go see and make sure they offer telehealth visits. You can also call your plan to have them help you locate a specialists that is in network and offers telehealth. Most plans offer this service, but keep in mind it has to be with a doctor in your plan network.

Answered by Toni Chavez on June 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, NM, NV & UT

Answered by Toni Chavez Medicare Insurance Agent

Linda Davies · Answer

While Medicare covers certain telehealth services, standard cost-sharing (coinsurance and deductible) may still apply.

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) supports Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for telehealth services that demonstrate efficacy and cost-effectiveness. 

Medicare coverage and policies are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, it's recommended to consult the official Medicare website or your healthcare provider.

Jami Mead · Answer

Most Telehealth visits are covered at a $0 cost. This depends on the type of plan that you have. If you have just Medicare A and B it covers it at 80%. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Supplement Plan there are different levels. I'm happy to help answer any questions that you may have and hope you navigate this. Feel free to give me a call.

Answered by Jami Mead on July 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states

Answered by Jami Mead Medicare Insurance Agent

Dominic Javier · Answer

Medicare covers E-visits or telehealth using an online patient portal. To get an E-visit, you must request one with your doctor. You will 20% of the approved Medicare amount for your doctor's or other provider's services. The Part B deductible applies.

Answered by Dominic Javier on April 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Dominic Javier Medicare Insurance Agent

John Messler · Answer

If you live in a local area, you must be sure that if you’re looking for a managed care plan, you verify the physicians you go to are in network. It’s very important to confirm your prescriptions and all your doctors that they’re on formulary and in network. If you sign up for an HMO understand if the doctor is not in network, there is no coverage. A PPO was more flexible. If you find too many holes in coverage, you may want to consider a Medicare supplement.

Answered by John Messler on February 23, 2026

Agent Licensed in NH, ME, NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by John Messler Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Hardwick · Answer

Medicare covers virtual doctor visits. Part B offers a range of telehealth services including virtual visits, consultations, and some mental health services. These services are not limited to just rural areas.

Answered by Tony Hardwick on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Tony Hardwick Medicare Insurance Agent

Marta Iris González · Answer

Medicare does cover telehealth, and it can be especially helpful in rural areas.
	•	Original Medicare (Part B) covers virtual visits with approved providers. You usually pay 20% after the deductible.
	•	Through Jan 30, 2026, most telehealth visits are covered from your home, even in rural areas.
	•	After that, most services will require you to be in a rural area and at an approved medical site (not always at home), except for mental health, stroke care, and some dialysis services, which are still covered from home.
	•	Medicare Advantage plans often offer broader telehealth access from home, sometimes with low or $0 copays.

Daniel Underwood · Answer

Medicare pays for many doctor visits you can do by phone or video, especially if you live in a rural area. This helps you get care without traveling far, but some visits might still need to be in person.

Answered by Daniel Underwood on August 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA

Answered by Daniel Underwood Medicare Insurance Agent

Erica Huffstetler · Answer

Medicare covers telehealth visits under Part B, and living in a rural area helps. You can do most visits from home right now, but the rules may change after October 1, 2025, when some visits could require being at a clinic. Mental-health visits will still be allowed from home. Medicare Advantage plans often include even more telehealth options, so check your plan for details.

Answered by Erica Huffstetler on October 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, FL, OH, SC & TX

Answered by Erica Huffstetler Medicare Insurance Agent

Monica Hughes · Answer

That would depend on the current plan you’re enrolled in.  That’s how all the options are determined.

Michael Cavanaugh · Answer

If you are a new Medicare beneficiary, the best choice would be to also enroll into a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage plan as soon as possible since virtual provider visits would be covered . Having just Original Medicare, without some type of additional coverage is not a wise option.

Answered by Michael Cavanaugh on June 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL, MD & NJ

Answered by Michael Cavanaugh Medicare Insurance Agent

Vicki Wuest · Answer

Medicare currently covers a wide range of telehealth (virtual) visits — including video and some phone appointments — for people in rural or limited-access areas, allowing you to see doctors and specialists from home through September 30, 2025. These flexibilities remove the old rule that you had to be in a medical facility or certain rural location. You’ll typically pay the same 20% coinsurance as an in-person visit, and your provider must accept Medicare and be licensed in your state. Starting October 2025, some of these expanded telehealth benefits may tighten again for non-mental-health services, but behavioral and mental health care will remain fully eligible for virtual coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer even broader telehealth options.

Answered by Vicki Wuest on October 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in NH, FL, MI & 5 other states

Answered by Vicki Wuest Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Burroughs · Answer

The good news is Medicare does cover telehealth, and right now the rules are more flexible than they used to be.

Here’s how it works:

• You can usually do visits from home—including with primary care and many specialists. Congress has extended these expanded telehealth benefits through 2027, so rural location is actually less of a barrier right now.

• Common services covered: routine checkups, follow-ups, mental health visits, and some chronic care management.

• Your cost: same as an in-person visit under Part B (generally about 20% after your deductible), unless your plan offers lower copays. 

• Medicare Advantage plans: often go a step further and may include expanded telehealth options or lower copays—but it depends on your specific plan.

One important caveat:
Not every doctor offers telehealth, so availability can depend on the provider—not just Medicare coverage.

Bottom line:
Even in a rural area, Medicare currently makes telehealth widely accessible—often right from your home—but the exact access and cost will depend on your plan and your doctor.

Shannon Brenneke · Answer

Telehealth visits can be covered by Medicare depending on your location, and the location visit. The rules are changing in the Fall of 2025 it is best to check with Medicare prior to your Telehealth visit for final details.

Answered by Shannon Brenneke on July 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO

Answered by Shannon Brenneke Medicare Insurance Agent

Cynthia Haworth · Answer

All the plans that I sell, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans include virtual visits for $0. However, if you are wanting Mental Health virtual visits, it might be $25, depending if it is group or individual.

Answered by Cynthia Haworth on February 3, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Cynthia Haworth Medicare Insurance Agent

Cindy Hoppe · Answer

Hello. You truly need to speak to someone. Your best bet is a broker in the Medicare world so they can do the research and get you in a carrier based policy that covers those types of services you are looking for. No one can just tell you they have answers without actually asking you specific questions. Please don’t fall into the hands of someone who just is there for them and not you.

Answered by Cindy Hoppe on April 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, IA & 8 other states

Answered by Cindy Hoppe Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Bolden · Answer

Most Medicare Advantage plans have telehealth included in their plan. Please feel free to reach out and I can help answer your question further!

Gidjetta Jefferson · Answer

I would ensure the plan you decide to enroll in will offer virtual visits. I will also, make phone calls to doctors to ensure they offer virtual visits and how often.

I live in a rural area with limited specialists and am interested in telehealth options. How does Medicare cover virtual visits for someone in my location?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

I live in a rural area with limited specialists and am interested in telehealth options. How does Medicare cover virtual visits for someone in my location?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website