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?
Answered by 9 licensed agents
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!
Answered by Alison Hummel on April 30, 2025
Agent Licensed in NJ & PA
Answered by Melonie Wood on April 8, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL & AL
Answered by Norman Smith on April 6, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL & PA
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.
Answered by Fred Manas on May 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Answered by Tony Hardwick on April 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in GA, AZ, CA & 15 other states
Answered by Dominic Javier on April 29, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX
Medicare.gov & the Medicare & You book have a lot of information that may be useful to you.
Answered by Jessica Breland on April 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in LA
Answered by Jennifer Osborne on April 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IL, IN, NE & OH
Answered by Barbara Bolden on April 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in NC, NY & SC
Tags: Coverage
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