UnitedHealthcare Extends Telehealth Services Under Medicare Advantage Plan
On October 6, 2025, UnitedHealthcare announced plans to continue offering extended telehealth services for select in-home medical and mental health treatments under its Medicare Advantage (MA) plan through 2026. This strategic decision aligns with the industry's shift where MA plans diverge from Original Medicare's telehealth policies, as the post-pandemic era transforms regulatory compliance requirements.
This new policy is specific to individual plans and does not alter existing rules for Original Medicare coverage. Additionally, UnitedHealthcare stated that most remote patient monitoring services would be excluded from coverage starting early 2026. Healthcare providers and behavioral health professionals must stay informed about payer-specific regulations, given that MA plans differ significantly in benefit structures and network standards.
Adaptability of MA Plans
The continuation of telehealth benefits by UnitedHealthcare highlights the flexibility MA plans possess, enabling them to sustain certain benefits even when Original Medicare tightens temporary waivers. This decision could facilitate ongoing care, particularly in behavioral health, while potentially complicating administrative processes due to varying private carrier policies.
The expiration of temporary telehealth flexibilities under the COVID-19 Federal Public Health Emergency on October 1, 2025, reinstated pre-pandemic geographic and originating-site restrictions for non-behavioral health services. Healthcare providers must align federal telehealth rules with specific MA plan policies to ensure compliance.
Impact on Remote Patient Monitoring
Notably, UnitedHealthcare will reduce most remote patient monitoring services by January 2026. Proactive engagement with UnitedHealthcare Provider Relations is crucial to gain a clearer understanding of plan-level requirements. Original Medicare offers a base for telehealth coverage, but MA plans often customize these benefits, necessitating thorough documentation for accurate billing.
Behavioral health providers, especially, should verify the continuation of telehealth services by contacting major insurers such as Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Securing written confirmations can help mitigate potential claims disputes, reducing the risk of claim errors.
Staying Ahead in Telehealth
When interacting with insurance Provider Relations, practitioners should inquire about extensions benefiting patients with mobility or transportation challenges or limited internet access. Despite possible disparities due to varying MA policies, strategic operational readiness remains vital for successful telehealth reimbursement.
UnitedHealthcare's extension of certain MA telehealth services through 2026 exemplifies a broader trend where private insurers retain behavioral health telehealth access, even as federal policies become more stringent. Staying informed is imperative for behavioral health practitioners aiming to optimize service delivery within this evolving regulatory environment.