Medicare Expands Coverage of Telehealth Services in Response to COVID-19

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Medicare has temporarily expanded its coverage of telehealth services to respond to COVID-19.

Medicare beneficiaries can temporarily use telehealth services for common office visits, mental-health counseling, and preventive health screenings. This will help ensure Medicare beneficiaries are able to visit with their doctor from their home without having to go to a doctor’s office or hospital, which puts themselves and others at risk.

Those who have an existing healthcare appointment or think they need to see their doctor should first call to see if the appointment can be conducted over a smartphone with video capability or any device using video technology, like a tablet or a laptop. For some appointments, a simple check-in over the phone without video capabilities may suffice.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.