What should Medicare beneficiaries consider regarding telehealth services?

Medicare beneficiaries should understand that for telehealth services to be utilized, they must be covered under their specific plan. Each Medicare plan has distinct guidelines regarding coverage, and while telehealth services have been expanded and popularized recently, they are not universally included in every plan. This means beneficiaries need to verify whether their particular Medicare plan includes coverage for telehealth, as it can vary by plan type and individual circumstances.

The other options do not accurately represent the relationship between Medicare coverage and telehealth services. Telehealth services are not free by default; they may still involve copayments or deductibles depending on the beneficiary's plan. It's also incorrect to state that telehealth is not permitted under any circumstances, as many plans do allow for some form of telehealth. Lastly, although some telehealth visits may necessitate an in-person follow-up based on the nature of the appointment or the medical necessity determined by the provider, to assert that all telehealth visits require this follow-up is overly restrictive and not a standard requirement. Understanding the specifics of coverage helps beneficiaries make informed decisions about their healthcare options.