Medicare Telehealth just got a two-year lifeline - but some rules are changing

Medicare's expanded telehealth access is sticking around, but not permanently. The current rules run through Dec. 31, 2027, giving beneficiaries a temporary extension of pandemic-era flexibility.

Federal policymakers have taken steps to accelerate the use of telehealth, making some provisions permanent while leaving others on a limited timeline. For now, several key flexibilities remain in place:

• Medicare beneficiaries can receive non-behavioral telehealth services from home through the end of 2027
• Geographic restrictions are waived, meaning patients are not limited by rural or originating site requirements
• All eligible Medicare providers can continue to deliver telehealth services
• Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics can serve as distant-site providers for these services
• The requirement for an in-person visit within six months of an initial behavioral health telehealth appointment, and annually after that, is suspended
• Audio-only telehealth visits remain permitted for non-behavioral care

In a recent interview, Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare, explained how the extension works, what it means for coverage, and why demand for telehealth is unlikely to fade. The following transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Telehealth access extended under Medicare

Robert Powell: The headline is the extension of telehealth access. Some are saying beneficiaries should use it while they can because there could be a rollback after 2027. What's your take?

Jae Oh: Patients have benefited significantly, especially since COVID, when access to health care professionals became strained. The convenience of a virtual visit, where you can describe your situation and get input from a physician, has been a major help.

That's even more important for people in remote areas where specialists may be hours away. Add in long wait times to see certain providers, and the value of telehealth is obvious. It was disappointing to see the possibility of it being removed from the standard Medicare benefit. So even a temporary extension through 2027 provides meaningful relief for people who rely on it.

Access improves, especially for rural patients

Robert Powell: Part of this includes audio-only care for those without broadband or who are not comfortable with video. That's seen as a positive.

Jae Oh: Anything that improves direct access to a provider is a good thing. Rural areas face real challenges with hospital systems and even primary care availability. Anything that reduces those barriers is welcome.

How coverage works under Medicare and Medigap

Robert Powell: Any Medicare-eligible provider who can bill Medicare can offer telehealth services. Is that fair?

Jae Oh: The key issue was whether telehealth would be phased out under original Medicare. With the extension, beneficiaries with Medicare and Medigap can continue to access telehealth through 2027.

If it were not covered, providers could bill the 20 percent coinsurance that Medigap might cover, depending on the plan and deductible status. With the extension, telehealth remains part of the covered benefit, which affects how and when out-of-pocket costs apply.

Implications for Medicare Advantage plans

Robert Powell: Medicare Advantage plans must match original Medicare. Can they offer more?

Jae Oh: Yes. Telehealth has been an important added benefit in many Medicare Advantage plans. Even if original Medicare scaled back coverage, Advantage plans could still offer telehealth with their own cost-sharing structure.

Those extra benefits are often criticized, but for members, they can be very meaningful.

What happens after 2027?

Robert Powell: Some expect a rollback to pre-pandemic limits. What do you see ahead?

Jae Oh: There's no crystal ball, but telehealth is very popular. I would expect Medicare Advantage plans to continue offering it, especially in areas far from major hospital systems.

Market demand will likely drive plan design. If telehealth access becomes a key differentiator, beneficiaries will choose plans that offer it.

What to watch next

Robert Powell: Anything else to keep in mind?

Jae Oh: We're entering a period where Medicare Advantage plans are preparing proposals for 2027. There are ongoing pressures in that space, and more details should emerge in the coming months.

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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 8:03 AM.