Connecting with a doctor from home has become a routine part of healthcare for millions of Americans — and Medicare has kept pace with that shift. If you are a Medicare beneficiary wondering whether your virtual appointments are covered, the short answer is yes, and that coverage has been extended through the end of 2027.

What Changed and When

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare significantly relaxed the rules around telehealth. Restrictions on location, provider type, and technology were temporarily lifted to keep vulnerable populations safe. Those flexibilities have been extended multiple times since then. Most recently, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 in February, which extended expanded telehealth access through December 31, 2027.

This means that for the foreseeable future, Medicare beneficiaries can continue receiving telehealth services from home — regardless of whether they live in a rural or urban area — and can use audio-only platforms when video is not available or preferred.

What Services Are Covered

Original Medicare currently covers a wide range of telehealth visits, including:

• Primary care and specialist office visits
• Mental health services including therapy and counseling
• Chronic disease management check-ins
• Certain preventive screenings and follow-up visits
• Audio-only visits for patients who cannot use video technology

Does Medicare Advantage Cover Telehealth Too?

Yes — and often more generously. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover at least everything Original Medicare covers, and many go further by offering additional telehealth benefits. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan's Evidence of Coverage document or call your plan directly to confirm which services are available virtually.

What to Keep in Mind

While the expanded telehealth rules are in effect, your regular cost-sharing still applies. You will pay the same copays or coinsurance for a telehealth visit as you would for an in-person one. If you have a Medigap policy, it may help cover those out-of-pocket costs. Always confirm that your provider is enrolled in Medicare and accepts telehealth appointments before scheduling.

Telehealth has made it significantly easier for seniors to stay connected with their care teams. If you have questions about how your specific Medicare plan covers virtual visits, our advisors are happy to walk you through your options.

One of the reasons Medicare Advantage plans have become so popular is the range of benefits they can offer beyond what Original Medicare covers. While every plan must include hospital and medical coverage (Parts A and B), many go well beyond that. The key is knowing what to look for — and understanding that benefits vary significantly from plan to plan and county to county.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing

Original Medicare provides very limited coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services. Most Medicare Advantage plans fill this gap by including benefits such as routine dental cleanings, eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids. The scope of coverage varies — some plans offer a set annual allowance, while others cover specific services at no additional cost.

Fitness and Wellness Programs

Many Medicare Advantage plans include gym memberships or fitness program benefits. These programs recognize that staying physically active is one of the most effective ways to manage chronic conditions and maintain independence as you age. Some plans even offer access to online fitness resources and in-home exercise equipment.

Transportation and Over-the-Counter Benefits

Getting to a medical appointment can be a challenge for many seniors. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover transportation to and from healthcare visits. Additionally, certain plans include an annual over-the-counter benefit — a set amount you can spend on approved health products like vitamins, pain relief, or bandages through a participating retailer or mail-order program.

Caregiver Support and Home Services

A growing number of plans now offer benefits that support caregivers and help members remain at home longer. These can include meal delivery after a hospital stay, home safety modifications, and in-home support services. Availability depends on the plan and the county where you live.

How to Find the Right Plan

Because extra benefits vary so widely, comparing plans side by side is essential. Two plans in the same zip code may look similar on premium but offer very different extras. Working with a licensed Medicare advisor can help you identify which plan's added benefits align best with your health needs and lifestyle.

Medicare Part A is often called hospital insurance, and for good reason — it is the part of Original Medicare that covers inpatient care. Most people who have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years qualify for Part A without paying a monthly premium. But understanding what it actually covers, and what it does not, is essential for planning ahead.

What Does Part A Cover?

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility following a qualifying hospital stay, hospice care for terminal illness, and some home health services. It does not cover long-term custodial care or routine doctor visits — that falls under Part B.

How the Deductible and Coinsurance Work

Part A does not work like a typical annual deductible. Instead, it uses a benefit period structure. Each time you are admitted to a hospital, a new benefit period begins. For 2026, the Part A deductible is $1,676 per benefit period — not per year. This means if you are hospitalized more than once in a year, you could owe that deductible more than once.

After your deductible, hospital stays are covered in full for the first 60 days. From day 61 to 90, you pay a daily coinsurance amount. Beyond that, you have a limited number of lifetime reserve days, each with a higher daily cost. Once those are exhausted, you are responsible for all costs.

Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage

Part A covers care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after a qualifying inpatient hospital stay of at least three days. The first 20 days in an SNF are covered in full. Days 21 through 100 require a daily coinsurance payment. After day 100, Medicare pays nothing, and you are responsible for all costs.

How to Protect Yourself from Part A Gaps

The cost-sharing structure under Part A can add up quickly, especially for longer stays. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help cover these gaps — including the Part A deductible and the daily coinsurance for extended hospital or SNF stays. Some Medicare Advantage plans also limit your out-of-pocket exposure through an annual maximum. Speaking with a licensed advisor can help you find the right protection for your situation.

Medicare has a lot of moving parts — enrollment windows, plan types, drug formularies, and network rules. Making the wrong assumption or missing a deadline can cost you significantly. Here are five of the most common mistakes we see, and how to avoid them.

1. Missing Your Initial Enrollment Window

Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period runs from three months before your birthday month through three months after — a seven-month window. Missing it without qualifying coverage from an employer can result in a lifelong late enrollment penalty on your Part B premium. Mark the calendar well in advance.

2. Assuming Your Doctors Are In-Network

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with an HMO structure, you are generally limited to a specific network of providers. Seeing an out-of-network doctor — even one you have seen for years — may mean paying full cost. Always verify that your current providers are in-network before selecting a plan.

3. Skipping Part D Drug Coverage

Many people skip Part D thinking they do not take prescription drugs regularly. But going without creditable drug coverage for 63 or more consecutive days after becoming eligible creates a late enrollment penalty that permanently increases your future Part D premium. Even a basic, low-cost drug plan is better than going without.

4. Not Reviewing Your Plan Each Year

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change their premiums, formularies, and provider networks every year. A plan that worked well for you in 2025 may not be the best fit in 2026. During the Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), take the time to review your plan and compare alternatives.

5. Choosing a Plan Based on Premium Alone

A $0 premium plan might seem like an obvious choice, but total cost of care — including copays, coinsurance, drug costs, and out-of-pocket maximums — is what matters most. A plan with a modest premium but lower cost-sharing may save you significantly more over the course of a year, especially if you have frequent medical needs.

Navigating Medicare does not have to feel overwhelming. A licensed advisor can walk you through your options, compare plans side by side, and help you avoid these common pitfalls — at no cost to you.

For most people turning 65, one of the first decisions they face is whether to stick with Original Medicare or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Both options have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your health needs, financial situation, and how you prefer to access care.

What Is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is the federal program administered directly by the government. It includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare — without referrals or network restrictions. This nationwide flexibility is one of its biggest strengths, especially if you travel frequently or see specialists at out-of-state facilities.

The tradeoff is that Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum. Medical costs can add up significantly without additional coverage. Most people pair Original Medicare with a Part D drug plan and a Medigap policy to fill those gaps.

What Is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide all the benefits of Parts A and B — and often include extras like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. Most plans also have an annual out-of-pocket maximum, which limits your financial exposure in any given year.

The main tradeoff is that most Medicare Advantage plans require you to use a network of doctors and may require referrals to see specialists. If you have preferred providers, confirming they are in-network before enrolling is essential.

Key Factors to Consider

• Provider access: Do your doctors accept the plan?
• Prescription drugs: Are your medications covered at a reasonable cost?
• Total cost: Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and the out-of-pocket maximum
• Extra benefits: Do you value dental, vision, fitness, or other add-ons?
• Travel: Do you spend time in multiple states or travel frequently?

There Is No Universal Right Answer

The best choice is the one that fits your specific situation. For some people, the nationwide flexibility of Original Medicare paired with a comprehensive Medigap plan is the priority. For others, the extra benefits and cost caps of Medicare Advantage make more sense. A licensed Medicare advisor can walk you through both paths and help you compare real plan options in your area.

One of the most important — and most frequently overlooked — aspects of Medicare Advantage is the provider network. Unlike Original Medicare, which allows you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare across the country, Medicare Advantage plans typically require you to use a specific network of healthcare providers. Understanding how these networks work can help you avoid unexpected bills and disruptions to your care.

HMO vs PPO Networks

The two most common Medicare Advantage network structures are HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans.

With an HMO, you are generally required to choose a primary care physician who coordinates your care and refers you to in-network specialists. Seeing providers outside the network is typically not covered, except in emergencies. HMO plans tend to have lower premiums and copays in exchange for this tighter network structure.

PPO plans offer more flexibility. You can see out-of-network providers, though at a higher cost. You also do not typically need referrals to see specialists. PPO plans are a popular choice for people who want more control over their provider choices but are still comfortable staying mostly in-network to keep costs manageable.

Why Network Verification Matters

Provider networks can change from year to year. A doctor who was in-network when you enrolled may not remain in the plan's network the following year. This is one reason it is so important to review your plan during the Annual Open Enrollment Period each fall. If a specialist you rely on leaves your plan's network, you may need to either pay out-of-network rates or switch plans during the next enrollment window.

Checking Before You Enroll

Before selecting any Medicare Advantage plan, verify that your primary care doctor, specialists, and preferred hospital are all in-network. Most plans publish an online directory, but calling the plan or your provider's office directly is the most reliable way to confirm current participation. Our advisors can also help you cross-check your providers against available plans in your area.

What About Out-of-Area Coverage?

If you travel or spend extended time in another state, network restrictions can become a real concern. Most Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency and urgent care anywhere in the United States, but routine care outside your plan's service area may not be covered. If travel is a regular part of your life, this is an important factor to weigh when comparing your options.

When a medical emergency strikes, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is cost. But ambulance transport — especially air ambulance — can be among the most expensive medical bills a senior faces. Understanding how Medicare handles these costs ahead of time can make a real difference.

Ground Ambulance Coverage Under Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers ground ambulance transportation when it is medically necessary and other transport would endanger your health. This typically applies to emergency situations where you need to be transported to the nearest appropriate facility. Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after your Part B deductible, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%. A Medigap policy can cover that coinsurance.

Non-emergency ambulance transport is also covered in specific circumstances — for example, if you require transport to dialysis three times a week and cannot safely travel any other way. Documentation from your physician supporting medical necessity is typically required.

Air Ambulance: Covered But Costly

Medicare Part B also covers air ambulance transport when ground transport would be too slow or impractical given the severity of your condition, or when you are in a location inaccessible by ground vehicle. Coverage follows the same 80/20 split after your deductible.

The challenge with air ambulance is that providers frequently charge far above Medicare's approved amount. If your air ambulance provider does not accept Medicare assignment, you may be responsible for the difference between what Medicare pays and what the provider charges — a gap that can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

How to Protect Yourself

The best protection against large ambulance bills is to ensure your additional coverage fills the gaps Medicare leaves. A Medicare Supplement plan covers the 20% coinsurance, though balance billing from non-participating providers remains a risk. Some Medicare Advantage plans have out-of-pocket maximums that can limit your total exposure. Reviewing your coverage before an emergency — rather than after — is always the better approach.

Cataracts are among the most common conditions affecting adults over 65. The good news is that cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine — and Medicare does cover it under the right conditions.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. As proteins in the lens break down over time, they clump together and cloud sections of the lens, scattering light and reducing vision clarity. Symptoms include blurry or dim vision, increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty seeing at night, and seeing halos around lights. Surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one.

What Medicare Part B Covers

Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery when it is medically necessary — meaning your vision impairment is significant enough to affect daily functioning and your doctor has determined surgery is appropriate. Coverage includes the surgical procedure itself, one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery, and post-operative care.

After your Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount. You are responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance unless you have a Medigap policy or Medicare Advantage plan that covers it.

What Medicare Does Not Cover

Standard Medicare does not cover premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) — the upgraded lens implants that correct astigmatism or reduce dependence on glasses after surgery. If you choose a premium lens, you will pay the difference between the standard lens and the upgrade out of pocket. Additionally, routine eye exams for eyeglasses or contacts are not covered under Original Medicare, though some Medicare Advantage plans include vision benefits.

Planning Ahead

If you or a family member has been told cataract surgery may be needed, it is worth reviewing your current Medicare coverage to understand what your out-of-pocket costs will be. A licensed advisor can help you compare plans that may offer additional vision benefits or lower cost-sharing.

When a loved one needs ongoing care at home, families are often presented with two options under Medicare: home health care and hospice care. While both allow patients to receive services at home, they serve very different purposes and have different eligibility requirements.

Home Health Care: Recovery Focused

Medicare's home health benefit is designed for short-term, medically necessary care following an illness, injury, or surgery. To qualify, you must be homebound — meaning leaving home requires considerable effort — and your doctor must certify that you need skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy on a part-time or intermittent basis.

Medicare covers home health visits at 100% with no copay, as long as your care plan is certified by a doctor and provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency. There is no limit to the number of medically necessary visits, but the benefit is intended for recovery, not long-term maintenance.

Hospice Care: Comfort Focused

The Medicare Hospice Benefit is for individuals with a terminal illness whose doctor certifies they have six months or less to live if the illness runs its normal course. The focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort, pain management, and quality of life. Hospice services can be provided at home, in a facility, or in a dedicated hospice center.

Medicare covers hospice care fully — including nursing visits, physician services, medications related to the terminal condition, aide services, counseling, and social work support. Family members also receive bereavement support. To receive hospice benefits, the patient must agree to forgo curative treatments for the terminal illness.

Which Is Right for Your Situation?

The choice between home health and hospice depends entirely on the patient's condition and goals of care. Home health supports recovery and continued treatment. Hospice supports dignity and comfort when curative treatment is no longer the priority. In some cases, a patient may transition from home health to hospice as their condition changes. Speaking with both the patient's physician and a Medicare advisor can help families navigate these decisions with clarity and confidence.

For the millions of Medicare beneficiaries living with chronic conditions or complex health needs, a standard Medicare Advantage plan may not provide the level of coordinated, targeted care they require. That is where Special Needs Plans — commonly known as SNPs — come in. These specialized Medicare Advantage plans are designed to serve specific populations with more tailored benefits and care coordination.

What Is an SNP?

A Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that limits enrollment to people who fall into one of three specific categories. Each type is designed to address the unique healthcare needs of its target population through specialized provider networks, care management programs, and benefit structures.

The Three Types of SNPs

Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs) are designed for people with severe or disabling chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic lung disorders, end-stage renal disease, or HIV/AIDS. These plans typically provide enhanced benefits tied to managing the specific condition, including disease management programs, specialized care teams, and formularies designed around condition-specific medications.

Dual Eligible SNPs (D-SNPs) serve people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Coordinating these two programs can be complicated, and D-SNPs streamline that process by integrating benefits and reducing cost-sharing. Many D-SNPs offer $0 premiums and $0 copays for covered services.

Institutional SNPs (I-SNPs) are for people who live in or require the level of care provided by a nursing facility or other long-term care institution. These plans coordinate care across institutional and community-based settings.

Is an SNP Right for You?

If you have a qualifying chronic condition, receive both Medicare and Medicaid, or live in a long-term care facility, an SNP may offer significantly better coverage and care coordination than a standard Medicare Advantage plan. SNP availability varies by location, and not every county has plans for every qualifying condition. A licensed Medicare advisor can help you identify whether an SNP is available in your area and whether it is a better fit than your current coverage.