In an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the Trump Administration announced today that it is expanding Medicare telehealth coverage so that beneficiaries can receive healthcare services without having to travel to their physician's office. Beginning on March 6, 2020, Medicare will temporarily pay clinicians to provide telehealth services for beneficiaries across the entire country. Beneficiaries will be able to receive telehealth services in any healthcare facility including a physician's office, hospital, nursing home or rural health clinic, as well as from their homes.
The telehealth services will be paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule at the same amount as in-person services—coinsurance and deductible will still apply. The HHS Office of Inspector General is also providing flexibility for physicians to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by federal healthcare programs.
Additional information can be found on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' fact sheet, as well as the Administration's Frequently Asked Questions.
Other resources you may find helpful are: