Growing Telehealth Usage Among Medicare Beneficiaries for Chronic Conditions

Medicare beneficiaries are increasingly turning to telehealth services for non-mental healthcare needs, including chronic condition management like diabetes. Recent research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that virtual visit numbers for these conditions are nearly matching those for mental health services. This study follows Medicare's extension of telehealth flexibilities until December 31, 2027, providing a temporary reprieve for telehealth providers. However, stakeholders are advocating for the permanence of these flexibilities to ensure continuous access and prevent disruptions in care delivery.

According to data from the 2021-2023 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, involving 14,950 Medicare participants, 16.4% utilized telehealth services, in contrast to the 83.6% who engaged in in-person visits. Notably, telehealth accounted for 45.1% of mental healthcare visits, roughly translating to 31 million visits annually. Conversely, non-mental healthcare telehealth utilization was at 3.3%, equating to approximately 29 million visits each year, predominantly for conditions like uncomplicated diabetes, hypertension, and COVID-19 management. This growing reliance underscores the critical role of telehealth in managing widespread chronic conditions.

Researchers observed that telehealth users generally exhibited higher education levels, more physical or cognitive limitations, poorer overall health, and more frequent outpatient visits compared to those seeking only in-person care. The study warns that ending telehealth flexibilities could significantly impact the most vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries. Restricting coverage may reverse recent advancements in healthcare access and pose substantial barriers for older patients needing continued care.