Digital Care
Medicare Temporarily Expands Telehealth Offerings
Technology has changed our lives, and health care is no different. With the outbreak of COVID-19 and increased efforts to slow the spread of the virus, Medicare began adapting its options and limitations to accommodate social distancing and safety precautions for older adults — one of the most vulnerable populations to the disease. One of the biggest changes to plans and regulations includes expanded telehealth options and offerings. You can take advantage of this in a few different ways. Learn more with this guide. What’s offered? Medicare has offered access to telehealth communication in the past, and this included health care office visits, therapy, and consultations. In light of COVID-19, it has expanded these offers to include COVID-19 treatment and testing, preventative treatment and screening, and standard health care management visits. The only limitations are 1) this communication cannot relate to a medical need that has been addressed by an in-person visit in the past seven days and 2) the reason for the visit does not require medical attention within 24 hours. How does it work? As the patient, you will communicate with your doctor, counselor, or another health professional via video or audio platforms from your home. Most programs work with a smartphone, and you also have the ability to communicate with your physicians through Medicare’s patient portals. For those who live in rural communities with limited internet or phone access, telehealth originating sites housed in clinics and other small health care agencies can connect you to your specialists at larger medical facilities through telecommunication to limit in-person interactions. Howmuch does it cost? Like other medical visits, you will make a small payment for these services, and many telehealth services will cost about the same as regular in-person visits. Traditionally, Original Medicare recipients will pay 20% of the approved amount for service. While telehealth may not have the ability to completely replace in-person visits, it can provide much-needed care in a safe environment for many patients. To learn more about Medicare’s telehealth offerings and other components of your plan, please give our team a call at 888-335-9498.
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