Medicare’s Telehealth Coverage Ends Soon—Here’s What Seniors Need to Know About Virtual Visits

More and more Americans are turning to telehealth—seeing a doctor by phone or video instead of going into the office. For years, these virtual visits were covered by insurance just like in-person appointments. Now, however, some providers, including Medicare, the federal health program for adults 65 and older, may be ending that coverage. Here’s what you need to know about when the changes could take effect.

When does Medicare’s telehealth coverage expire?

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth access has been a vital resource for seniors. Not only does it allow them to see their doctor from home, but it also gives them the chance to connect with medical professionals from places they might not be able to travel to. But starting on January 30, that coverage is coming to an end for most people on the government-funded insurance program. 

Starting on January 31, people who live in rural areas must go into an office or medical facility to receive their medical treatments. The only exception is for people not in rural areas who use the telehealth service for Renal Disease (ESRD) visits for home dialysis, diagnosis and/or treatment of symptoms of an acute stroke and diagnosis and/or treatment of a mental and/or behavioral health disorder.

“Telehealth is not shutting down but going back to pre-pandemic structure by reducing the level of servicing,” Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, explained to Newsweek. “Rural requirements and exceptions still apply for behavior and stroke victims, but the broad reach of telehealth will be closing.”

Could Medicare’s telehealth coverage get extended? 

As with all Medicare decisions, telehealth coverage could get extended if the government votes on a bill to do so. Currently, the Senate is discussing the Telehealth Modernization Act, which would extend the service through the 2027 fiscal year. 

“Improving access to high-quality health care for Americans is essential,” South Carolina Senator Tim Scott said in a statement. “We saw during the pandemic how effective telehealth can be for patients, and the Telehealth Modernization Act will ensure these services remain available for those who depend on them. By modernizing our telehealth laws, we can reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for patients across South Carolina and the country.”

Currently, the bill is still with the Senate. If it’s approved there, it will  move to the House of Representatives, where they will either approve or deny it. If it passes the House, President Trump will then either sign it into law or veto it altogether. As of publication, there is no word on how the president is leaning, but some house members have already voiced their support for the bill. 

“Telehealth services are an essential part of our healthcare system. It is a fact that having to physically travel to a doctor’s office or hospital can present a serious barrier to care for seniors, people with disabilities, and people who live in rural areas that are far from a healthcare provider,” Michigan representative Deborah Ann Dingell said in a statement. “Telehealth worked during COVID and should be available and more widely adopted. The Telehealth Modernization Act takes us one step closer to protecting and expanding access to telehealth for Americans who depend on it.”