Medicare Coverage · Updated August 2026

Does Medicare Cover Telehealth?

Short answer up top, then the exact rule. Here's what Original Medicare does and doesn't cover for telehealth in 2026 — and where a Medicare Advantage plan can fill the gap.

Quick answer: Yes. Medicare Part B covers telehealth visits — office visits, mental-health therapy, consultations, and more. Through December 31, 2027 you can get most telehealth from anywhere in the U.S., including your home. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible — the same as an in-person visit.

Does Original Medicare cover telehealth?
Yes — from home through 2027
Original Medicare rule · verify your plan at Medicare.gov
Medicare Part B covers a wide range of telehealth services — office visits, psychotherapy, consultations, and many services that normally happen in person. After you meet the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, generally the same cost as getting the service in person. Through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth you receive from anywhere in the U.S., including your home — the earlier rule that limited telehealth to patients in rural areas or specific facility sites is waived during this window. (Certain services, like behavioral/mental-health telehealth and some others, are covered from home on a permanent basis.) Because the broad from-home coverage runs on a temporary extension, the location rules can change if Congress doesn't extend them again.

Medicare Advantage: what some plans add

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover at least the same telehealth as Original Medicare and often add more — extra covered services or from-home access regardless of the temporary federal window. Copays for telehealth visits vary by plan, so check your plan's telehealth benefits and cost-sharing.

Who this matters to

Anyone who wants to see a provider by video or phone — especially people who are homebound, rural, or managing ongoing conditions. Confirm your provider offers Medicare telehealth and bills it correctly so your visit is covered at the standard 20% cost-share.

What does Medicare cost you in 2026?

See the current Part A, Part B, and Part D numbers — premiums, deductibles, and the new drug cap — in one place. Free, no signup.

See 2026 Medicare Costs →

Frequently asked questions

Can I get Medicare telehealth from home?

Yes — through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers most telehealth from anywhere in the U.S., including your home. Some services, like mental-health telehealth, are covered from home permanently. Medicare Advantage plans may offer from-home telehealth beyond that window.

How much does a Medicare telehealth visit cost?

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible — generally the same as an in-person visit. On a Medicare Advantage plan you'll pay the plan's telehealth copay instead.

Related Medicare coverage & tools

Does Medicare cover gym memberships?
No — but many Advantage plans add it.
Does Medicare cover blood tests?
Yes — you usually pay nothing.
Does Medicare cover dental?
Dental, vision & hearing under Original Medicare vs Advantage.
Medigap Plans Explained
How supplement plans cover the 20% Original Medicare leaves you.

Comparing plans this year?

Coverage gaps in Original Medicare — like telehealth — are exactly what a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan is meant to fill. Our free Enrollment Finder shows the window you can switch in, and the guide library walks through the trade-offs. This page is free to share with anyone weighing their options.

Open the Enrollment Finder →

Official sources

This answer is based on U.S. government Medicare coverage rules: