UnitedHealthcare Extends Expanded Telehealth Benefits for Medicare Advantage Members Through 2026

October 16, 2025 -UnitedHealthcare has declared that it will cover Medicare Advantage (MA) members with its full telehealth benefits until 2026, regardless of Origins Medicare’s reduced temporary COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities on September 30, 2025.

This ruling means that the members of the UnitedHealthcare MA are able to receive both audio-video and audio-only telehealth visits at home as long as they are offered by an in-network physician, non-physician practitioner (NPs and physician assistants (PAs)), and mental health professional. Covered services should be added to the existing Medicare Telehealth List for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Coverage Details

• In-Home Telehealth Services: Can be used when making medical and mental health visits with in-network providers.
• Mental Health Telehealth: There is no requirement for an in-person visit to receive the services that are provided by in-network mental health providers.
• PPO Plans (Individual MA): Members must use in-network providers for telehealth services to be covered; only Medicare-covered services are available out-of-network.
• Group PPO Plans: Members may continue telehealth visits with both in-network and out-of-network providers, without restrictions reverting to Original Medicare’s narrower rules.
• Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans: Members may access telehealth from any Medicare-eligible provider, ensuring greater flexibility.

The move follows CMS’s expiration of pandemic-era telehealth provisions for Original Medicare, which now only covers limited in-home telehealth,  including mental health services (with prior in-person visits), ESRD home dialysis, and visits from qualifying rural originating sites equipped for remote care.

UnitedHealthcare’s continued coverage aims to preserve convenient, equitable access to care for Medicare Advantage members nationwide, supporting both physical and mental health needs from the comfort of home.

Providers and members seeking more information can connect with UnitedHealthcare through the 24/7 chat support available on the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal.