Although telehealth use has declined from its pandemic peak, it remains nearly twice as common among traditional Medicare beneficiaries as it was before 2020, reflecting how virtual care has become part of routine healthcare for many older Americans. Instead of driving long distances or arranging transportation for routine appointments, many seniors can now consult with physicians from the comfort of home.
Congress recently extended many of these Medicare telehealth flexibilities through the end of 2027, giving patients and providers additional certainty while lawmakers continue debating permanent reforms. Lawmakers from both parties argued that abruptly ending the temporary flexibilities would force millions of Medicare beneficiaries back into an older system that required travel to approved healthcare facilities and limited virtual visits largely to rural communities.
