December 4, 2025
Medicare Advantage plan telehealth vs. COVID-19 waiver: Key differences providers should know
Physicians and other providers have asked if the expiration of the COVID-era telehealth fee-for-service (FFS) waiver means telehealth benefits under our Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are ending.
- Telehealth benefits under our MA plans remain in effect for the remainder of 2025 and 2026.
- The COVID telehealth waiver applies only to Medicare FFS members who do not have MA plan telehealth coverage under an MA plan.
MA plan telehealth benefits are approved annually by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the full contract year. Telehealth benefits will continue through 2026.
How members can access telehealth
Through a telehealth vendor
- 24/7 virtual access to board-certified doctors via Teladoc.
- $0 copay for services.
- Covered services include general medical, behavioral health, dermatology and more.
Through a network provider
- Members can receive telehealth services from any network provider offering telehealth.
- Standard plan cost shares/copays apply (e.g., telehealth visits with a primary care physician).
If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update), review the Plan Benefit Materials at wellcare.com/find-your-plan. Additionally, CMS guidance on telehealth policies that apply exclusively to Medicare FFS beneficiaries can be found at https://bit.ly/HRSA-Telehealth-Policies. For all other questions, contact 1-866-999-3945.
This information applies to Physicians and Independent Practice Associations (IPAs).
