Planning Ahead for Telehealth Access in 2026

For many families, virtual doctor visits have become a convenient and reliable way to stay on top of health needs, whether for older adults, caregivers, or loved ones managing care together.

Over the past few years, telehealth access expanded significantly, allowing many visits to take place from home and reducing the need for travel.

As we look ahead to 2026, some telehealth rules are scheduled to change. Knowing what is currently planned, and when, can help families plan ahead, ask informed questions, and reduce the risk of gaps in care.

What’s Allowed Right Now (Through January 30, 2026)

Currently, Medicare continues to allow most telehealth visits to take place from home. You can still see your doctor virtually, at least through January 30, 2026. Medicare continues to cover most telehealth visits from home until that date.

Through January 30, 2026:

• Patients do not need to be in a medical facility to receive most Medicare‑covered telehealth services
• Virtual visits can take place from home, regardless of whether the patient lives in a rural or urban area
• Video visits, and in some cases audio‑only visits, remain covered

These policies remain in effect because Congress temporarily extended the telehealth flexibilities that were introduced during the COVID‑19 public health emergency. After January 30, 2026, telehealth coverage may become more limited unless Congress extends the rules again.

What Is Scheduled to Change After January 30, 2026

Beginning January 31, 2026, unless Congress acts to extend the current rules, Medicare telehealth coverage is scheduled to return to its pre‑pandemic structure. For many services under Original Medicare, this may mean:

• Telehealth visits once again requiring the patient to be located in an approved originating site, such as a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic
• Home may no longer qualify as an approved location for many non‑behavioral telehealth services
• Geographic restrictions (such as rural location requirements) may return

These changes are written into current law and are the reason many people are hearing that virtual care may become more limited in 2026.

It’s important to note that behavioral and mental health services are treated differently under Medicare and, under current law, may continue to be available via telehealth from home after January 31, 2026, subject to specific requirements.

Telehealth Access: Before and After January 31, 2026

This table reflects current law and scheduled policy changes. Coverage may vary based on service type and whether someone has Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

How Telehealth Access Can Differ From Person To Person

Telehealth access is not the same for everyone. How these changes apply can depend on several practical factors, including:

• Whether someone is enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer telehealth benefits beyond what Original Medicare requires. These benefits vary by plan and can change each year, so it’s important to review plan details carefully
• The type of care being provided, for example, primary care, specialty care, or behavioral and mental health services
• The specific health plan rules and provider policies involved

Because of these differences, two people may have very different telehealth options even if they live in the same area. Checking coverage details and asking providers about telehealth availability can help clarify what applies in each situation.

Will Medicare Advantage plans still offer virtual visits?

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer telehealth benefits beyond what original Medicare requires. These benefits vary by plan and can change each year, so it’s important to review plan details carefully.

How Planning Ahead Can Support Older Adults and Caregivers

For older adults, easier access to care often means health concerns are addressed sooner.

For adult children and caregivers, it means peace of mind and fewer emergencies.

If home‑based telehealth becomes more limited:

• Some health concerns may be addressed later than ideal
• Families may need to play a larger role in noticing early changes
• Staying informed and connected becomes even more important
• For families supporting chronic conditions, monitoring and documenting day‑to‑day changes between appointments can help provide clearer information when care is accessed

What Families Can Do

• Ask healthcare providers how they expect telehealth to work in 2026
• Review Medicare coverage options during open enrollment
• Plan ahead for transportation and in‑person visits if needed
• Pay attention to changes in daily health routines that may signal a need for care

Telehealth Coverage Under Private (Non‑Medicare) Insurance

Up to this point, this article has focused on telehealth rules that most directly affect older adults enrolled in Medicare. However, many families are managing care across different types of coverage, including private insurance through employers, individual plans, or private pay arrangements.

Telehealth rules for private (non‑Medicare) insurance generally work differently and apply to adults of all ages.

In general, most private insurance plans:

• Cover telehealth services if the same service would be covered in person
• Allow patients to receive telehealth visits from home
• Follow state laws that require telehealth coverage parity with in‑person care

Unlike Medicare, private insurance telehealth coverage is not tied to a single federal expiration date. Instead, it depends on:

• State telehealth laws
• The specific insurance company
• The individual plan design

Because of this, many people with employer‑sponsored or individual private insurance may continue to have broad access to home‑based telehealth in 2026 and beyond, even if Medicare rules become more limited.

That said, cost‑sharing, provider networks, and available services can vary widely, so checking plan documents is always important.

Where Livindi Helps Fill Gaps in Care

As telehealth rules evolve and may become more limited after January 30, 2026, families may experience longer stretches between healthcare visits or fewer opportunities for quick virtual check-ins from home.

Livindi supports ongoing awareness and documentation between healthcare visits. 

Where to Get Reliable Updates

Because telehealth rules can change based on federal legislation, the most reliable information comes directly from official sources. Families may want to check these periodically, especially as January 31, 2026 approaches:

• Medicare.gov  Official beneficiary information, including coverage updates and telehealth guidance
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)  Policy updates, fact sheets, and official announcements
• HHS Telehealth (telehealth.hhs.gov) Plain-language explanations of federal telehealth policies
• Medicare Advantage plan communications  Plan-specific updates sent by mail, email, or member portals
• Healthcare providers  Many practices will notify patients directly if telehealth options change

The Bottom Line

• Through January 30, 2026, Medicare continues to allow most telehealth visits from home
• After January 30, 2026, many services may once again require being in a medical facility unless the rules are extended
• Families who stay informed and prepared can reduce stress and avoid gaps in care

Healthcare rules may change, but the goal remains the same: helping older adults stay safe, supported, and independent, with families having access to clear information to support planning and care decisions.

Take the Next Step

If you’re thinking about how to stay informed and connected between healthcare visits, it may help to explore tools that support day‑to‑day awareness and documentation.

Livindi is designed to help families:

• Maintain visibility into daily routines between healthcare visits
• Document changes over time that can be referenced or shared when questions arise
• Support independence at home while staying informed and safe

Learn more about how Livindi supports families and organizations at www.livindi.com or call us at (508) 416-6030.