Big changes coming to Medicare next month. What does this mean for you?
- Replies 3
As the calendar pages turn, so too does the landscape of healthcare for millions of Americans.
For those of you who have come to rely on the convenience and accessibility of telehealth services through Medicare, it's time to brace for a significant shift.
Starting March 31, the coverage landscape is set to change, and it's crucial to understand what this means for your healthcare routine.
Medicare is more than just a program–it's a lifeline for over 66 million Americans.
During the pandemic, telehealth emerged as a beacon of safety and convenience, allowing patients to receive care without risking exposure to the virus.
However, the funding that made expanded telehealth services possible for Medicare recipients is drawing to a close by March 31–three months after it was said to run out of funding.
Initially, the expansion of Medicare telehealth coverage was a temporary measure, a quick solution to a global health crisis. Under the Trump administration, these services were broadened to meet the urgent needs of the pandemic as virtual visits became more common.
Then, under President Biden, the American Relief Act 2025 further extended these benefits, including provisions for delayed-in person requirements under Medicare for mental health services and broadening the scope of where telehealth could originate.
But as of April 1, there shall be a revert. For most services previously available via telehealth, patients in rural areas will need to visit a medical office or facility to continue receiving Medicare coverage.
There are exceptions, of course—certain conditions like home dialysis for end-stage renal disease, acute strokes, and mental and behavioral health disorders will still be covered under the current telehealth provisions.
The upcoming changes hit hardest for seniors in rural communities. Telehealth has been a revolutionary tool for those who face long distances to the nearest medical facility or who have mobility issues.
The rollback of telehealth coverage means that these individuals may now face significant hurdles in accessing routine checkups and mental health services.
The upcoming Medicare changes might particularly impact mental health services, particularly in the area of telehealth, which saw increased use during the pandemic.
During that time, many seniors accessed mental health care remotely, providing a convenient alternative to in-person visits and helping to address challenges such as isolation and stress.
Also read: Half a million dropped from healthcare–Are you one of them? Protect yourself from this major system shake-up!
With a shift back to in-person services, individuals who have relied on remote therapy may need to adjust.
For those with anxiety, mobility limitations, or transportation difficulties, in-person appointments could present logistical challenges.
In the meantime, patients and their families may find it helpful to discuss care options with their providers to ensure a smooth transition.
Experts like Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, and Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor, have weighed in on the implications of these changes.
Source: FOX59 News / Youtube.
Thompson expresses that "Rural Americans and folks with mobility issues may feel this the most. Telehealth has been a game-changer for people who can't easily get to a doctor, especially for mental health and routine checkups. If these flexibilities disappear, millions of Medicare recipients will be left scrambling for options."
Meanwhile, Beene remarks that, “...Many rural areas across the United States have seen increased closures of clinics and hospitals in recent years, and the result is few local options for care.”
As we approach April, it's essential to plan for these changes. If you've been utilizing telehealth services, now is the time to explore alternative options for in-person care.
For those in non-rural areas or with specific conditions, it's worth investigating whether your telehealth services will continue to be covered.
Recommended for you: Protect your benefits: How republican proposals will revolutionize Medicare and Medicaid–stay informed!
"Letting telehealth expire isn't just a matter of the pandemic being over," Beene stated. "It could have a negative effect on communities that have become more reliant on our services."
How will these Medicare changes affect you or your loved ones? Have you come to rely on telehealth services, and if so, what are your plans moving forward? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below!
For those of you who have come to rely on the convenience and accessibility of telehealth services through Medicare, it's time to brace for a significant shift.
Starting March 31, the coverage landscape is set to change, and it's crucial to understand what this means for your healthcare routine.
Medicare is more than just a program–it's a lifeline for over 66 million Americans.
During the pandemic, telehealth emerged as a beacon of safety and convenience, allowing patients to receive care without risking exposure to the virus.
However, the funding that made expanded telehealth services possible for Medicare recipients is drawing to a close by March 31–three months after it was said to run out of funding.
Initially, the expansion of Medicare telehealth coverage was a temporary measure, a quick solution to a global health crisis. Under the Trump administration, these services were broadened to meet the urgent needs of the pandemic as virtual visits became more common.
Medicare telehealth coverage is set to end on March 31, affecting more than 66 million Americans who rely on Medicare for health coverage. Image source: National Cancer Institute / Unsplash.
Then, under President Biden, the American Relief Act 2025 further extended these benefits, including provisions for delayed-in person requirements under Medicare for mental health services and broadening the scope of where telehealth could originate.
But as of April 1, there shall be a revert. For most services previously available via telehealth, patients in rural areas will need to visit a medical office or facility to continue receiving Medicare coverage.
There are exceptions, of course—certain conditions like home dialysis for end-stage renal disease, acute strokes, and mental and behavioral health disorders will still be covered under the current telehealth provisions.
The upcoming changes hit hardest for seniors in rural communities. Telehealth has been a revolutionary tool for those who face long distances to the nearest medical facility or who have mobility issues.
The rollback of telehealth coverage means that these individuals may now face significant hurdles in accessing routine checkups and mental health services.
The upcoming Medicare changes might particularly impact mental health services, particularly in the area of telehealth, which saw increased use during the pandemic.
During that time, many seniors accessed mental health care remotely, providing a convenient alternative to in-person visits and helping to address challenges such as isolation and stress.
Also read: Half a million dropped from healthcare–Are you one of them? Protect yourself from this major system shake-up!
With a shift back to in-person services, individuals who have relied on remote therapy may need to adjust.
For those with anxiety, mobility limitations, or transportation difficulties, in-person appointments could present logistical challenges.
In the meantime, patients and their families may find it helpful to discuss care options with their providers to ensure a smooth transition.
Experts like Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, and Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor, have weighed in on the implications of these changes.
Source: FOX59 News / Youtube.
Thompson expresses that "Rural Americans and folks with mobility issues may feel this the most. Telehealth has been a game-changer for people who can't easily get to a doctor, especially for mental health and routine checkups. If these flexibilities disappear, millions of Medicare recipients will be left scrambling for options."
Meanwhile, Beene remarks that, “...Many rural areas across the United States have seen increased closures of clinics and hospitals in recent years, and the result is few local options for care.”
As we approach April, it's essential to plan for these changes. If you've been utilizing telehealth services, now is the time to explore alternative options for in-person care.
For those in non-rural areas or with specific conditions, it's worth investigating whether your telehealth services will continue to be covered.
Recommended for you: Protect your benefits: How republican proposals will revolutionize Medicare and Medicaid–stay informed!
"Letting telehealth expire isn't just a matter of the pandemic being over," Beene stated. "It could have a negative effect on communities that have become more reliant on our services."
How will these Medicare changes affect you or your loved ones? Have you come to rely on telehealth services, and if so, what are your plans moving forward? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below!
