Medicare Plans to End Most Telehealth Coverage Soon
/By Crystal Lindell
Telehealth access was greatly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that expansion is slated to end this month for many older patients. Medicare is planning to end most coverage for telehealth appointments as of January 31, 2026.
There are some exceptions to the new policy. Telehealth appointments for those living in a rural area or seeking care in a rural area will still be covered. So will appointments for monthly home dialysis for end-stage renal disease; appointments for acute stroke; and appointments for behavioral health disorders.
The new policy only applies to Original Medicare plans. Medicare Advantage Plans may still cover telehealth appointments.
It’s baffling that this type of policy is being implemented for Medicare patients at all, seeing as how most people on Medicare are senior citizens — a demographic that is more likely to have mobility issues as well as a higher risk of falls.
The American Medical Association is calling on the federal government to make telehealth coverage permanent ahead of this month’s deadline. Congress has repeatedly extended the telehealth flexibilities for Medicare patients, but often at the last moment. The AMA says the constant procrastination creates uncertainty for millions of patients and their physicians.
“As the current waiver deadline approaches, Congress must finally act decisively to prevent a disruptive and abrupt halt to the expanded telehealth services that have improved care continuity, chronic disease management, and access for rural and underserved communities,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD.
The AMA says telehealth offers the potential for long-term savings through early medical intervention, improved chronic disease management, and reduced use of expensive emergency care and inpatient services. Telehealth also has higher appointment completion rates and reduces hospital readmissions. In short, it helps our complex healthcare system work more efficiently and at a lower cost.
“Now is the time for lawmakers to secure innovation, modernize care delivery, and protect access to telehealth for all Medicare beneficiaries by passing comprehensive, forward-looking reform,” the AMA said.
Speaking from personal experience, I am reminded of the time my grandma fell on the ice in front of her home a few years ago and broke her hip. The injury led to a months-long recovery process that included an extended stay at a rehabilitation facility. Aside from how inconvenient the entire episode was, it was also an extremely painful injury for her to endure.
Today, we limit how often she leaves the house to reduce the risk of her falling again. And we are especially cautious whenever the temperatures drop low enough to create icy patches on the ground.
Thus, whenever possible, we opt for telehealth appointments to keep grandma safe. Aside from reducing her fall risk, they also lower the risk of her being exposed to viruses at an in-person doctor’s office.
It seems like common sense that seniors in particular would have easy access to telehealth services, and my hope is that Congress will act and extend that access before the deadline.
