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Medicare Telehealth Cuts Leave Seniors Scrambling
14 Jan
Summary
- Medicare telehealth coverage ends January 30, imposing new restrictions.
- Exceptions remain for behavioral health and certain rural patients.
- Many seniors face difficulties and increased costs for healthcare access.
Medicare recipients are set to experience a significant reduction in telehealth coverage starting January 30, marking a return to pre-pandemic accessibility levels. This change will limit telehealth services for many beneficiaries, particularly those not falling into specific exception categories.
The new regulations introduce strict limitations, requiring patients to be in a medical facility or a rural area for telehealth to be covered, with the exception of behavioral health services. This includes coverage for diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health disorders and substance use. Services for acute stroke symptoms and specific End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) home dialysis visits will also continue to be covered.
Experts warn that this rollback could make healthcare more difficult and expensive for seniors who do not qualify for exceptions. While some Medicare Advantage plans may offer alternatives, the broad impact is anticipated to be substantial, compelling many to resume in-office appointments for basic care.
