If you're on Medicare and wondering whether you can see a doctor from home, without driving to an office, sitting in a waiting room, or rearranging your whole day, the short answer is yes. Medicare covers telehealth visits, and that coverage has been extended through the end of 2027.

But here's what most seniors don't realize: telehealth isn't just for sick visits and prescription refills. Today, Medicare beneficiaries can see in-network providers through telehealth — including programs like Bold Care that help you lose weight, reduce pain, and get your energy back, all from your living room. And starting July 1, 2026, Medicare will cover GLP-1 weight loss medications for eligible beneficiaries for a $50 monthly copay through the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program.

Here's what you need to know about Medicare telehealth coverage, what's actually included, and how to use it to feel better in your body every day.

Does original Medicare cover telehealth visits?

Yes. If you have Original Medicare (the federal program that comes with a red, white, and blue Medicare card) telehealth visits are covered.

Original Medicare has two parts, and it helps to understand which part covers what:

Medicare Part A covers inpatient care: hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. If you're admitted to a hospital, Part A is what kicks in.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient care: doctor visits, preventive services, lab work, and telehealth. When you have a virtual appointment with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or other eligible provider, that falls under Part B.

Under Part B, you typically pay 20% coinsurance after meeting your annual deductible. But if you carry supplemental coverage — like a Medigap policy, retiree benefits, or Medicaid — that secondary coverage often picks up the remaining balance. In fact, roughly 80% of Original Medicare beneficiaries carry some form of supplemental coverage, which is why many seniors pay nothing out of pocket for their virtual visits.

If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), telehealth is also covered. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 copays for in-network virtual visits.

What telehealth services does Medicare cover?

Medicare Part B covers a range of services delivered through telehealth — from office visits and consultations to psychotherapy, medical nutrition therapy, and more. (You can see the full list of covered telehealth services at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/telehealth). 

But here's what most people don't think about: you don't have to wait until something is seriously wrong to use your Medicare telehealth benefit. If you're over 65 and dealing with stubborn weight, joint pain, low energy, or the sense that your body just isn't working the way it used to, telehealth can help you feel better in your day-to-day life — and that's exactly what Bold Care is designed for.

Lose weight with Bold's telehealth weight management program, designed specifically for adults 65+

Bold Care is a telehealth weight management program built specifically for adults 65 and older. Bold providers are in-network with Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more, and 78% of Bold patients pay $0 out of pocket for their appointment.

Bold Care providers (board-certified doctors, nurse practitioners, dieticians, and licensed social workers) create a personalized Care Plan so you can lose weight, reduce pain, and get your energy back.

Why Bold is different from other weight loss programs

Losing weight at 65 isn't the same as losing weight at 30. Older adults need to protect muscle mass, build bone density, and avoid nutritional deficiencies — especially while losing weight. Most weight loss programs focus on dropping pounds on the scale. Bold focuses on helping you lose fat while protecting lean muscle, strong bones, and steady balance.

Bold's doctor-supervised, personalized Care Plan includes medication (for eligible members), personalized exercise and nutrition programming, plus a dedicated care team for accountability — no calorie tracking or meal logging required.

Here's what makes Bold's approach stand out:

• Weight loss that protects what matters. Bold's program is designed to help you lose fat, not strength. We’ll help you lose weight while preserving lean muscle, bone density, and balance – so you can keep doing the things that are important to you.
• FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including pill options. For eligible members, Bold prescribes name-brand, FDA-approved GLP-1 medications — Foundayo®, Wegovy®, or Zepbound® — including convenient pill forms, for a $50 monthly copay. Your provider matches the medication to your health needs, not a one-size-fits-all prescription.
• A provider that stays in the loop. Message your Bold provider about side effects, daily habits, or any questions and concerns and receive a quick response, usually within hours. Bold follow-up appointments are available in days, not months.
• Practical lifestyle support that fits your life. You'll receive personalized guidance on meals, movement, and sleep — plus recipes, reminders, and healthy habits created just for you. Your provider stays in the loop and adjusts the plan as you go. No calorie tracking. No extra time in the kitchen. Bold meets you where you're at.
• See what the scale can't. Easily test your strength and balance and track your body composition over time, from home — no wearables, no homework.

All Bold Care appointments are virtual and available in days, not months. You can meet on Zoom or over the phone, whatever feels most helpful to you.

What does a Bold appointment cost?

78% of Bold patients pay $0 out of pocket for their initial Bold Care appointment. For the small percentage of patients who do have a payment responsibility, it's usually a modest copay for a virtual visit.

Bold's team handles billing your insurance plan directly. Your personal Care Coordinator answers any questions that come up and makes sure there are no surprises — so you can focus on your health, not your paperwork. Bold never bills your insurance unless you attend an appointment, and you'll always see your cost estimate before anything is booked.

Bold is currently available to Medicare members in Texas, California, and Pennsylvania.

New in 2026: Medicare now covers GLP-1 weight loss medications

Starting July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare beneficiaries will be able to access FDA-approved GLP-1 weight loss medications through the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program for a $50 monthly copay. The program runs through December 31, 2027, and is available nationwide.

Here's what you need to know:

• What's covered: Foundayo®, Wegovy®, and Zepbound®.
• What it costs: Eligible beneficiaries pay a $50 monthly copay for their GLP-1 medication. This copay is not part of your Part D deductible — even if you haven't hit your deductible yet, the $50 monthly copay still applies.
• Who's eligible: Medicare Part D beneficiaries who meet clinical criteria, including those with obesity or who are overweight with certain health conditions like uncontrolled hypertension.
• No opt-in required: You don't need to register or sign up for the Bridge program. If you're eligible, your provider can prescribe and your pharmacy can fill the medication starting July 1, 2026.

Bold Care helps eligible members access GLP-1 medications (including pill forms) as part of its weight management program. Bold checks your plan, confirms your costs, and handles the prior authorization — so you don't have to navigate the system alone.

If you get prescribed a GLP-1, you'll pay a $50 monthly copay, covered by Medicare. Need to check in? Follow-up appointments are in-network with Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, and other leading health plans so you can stay accountable and see real change.

How to get started with Bold

Getting started with Bold takes less than a minute:

• Check your eligibility. Visit agebold.com/getcare to see if you're eligible. Bold's team will verify your coverage and confirm your cost estimate before your first appointment.
• Book your first appointment. Your initial visit is a 45-minute virtual evaluation with a board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in healthy aging and lifestyle medicine. You'll discuss your health history, your goals, and the areas where you want to feel better.
• Get your personalized care plan. Your provider creates a healthy aging care plan tailored to you — with concrete next steps across weight management, nutrition, movement, and sleep. If you're eligible for a GLP-1 medication, your provider will walk you through your options and next steps.
• Follow up and stay on track. Bold follow-up visits are covered under the same benefit as your initial visit. Your provider adjusts the plan as you go so you can make sure your approach is working.

Your Care Coordinator is available to answer any questions about your appointment, your insurance, or anything on your mind. Call Bold at (424) 577-5266, Monday through Friday, 5am–5pm PT, or email careteam@agebold.com.

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare Part B cover telehealth visits?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers telehealth visits with doctors, nurse practitioners, and other eligible providers. You can receive these visits from home. If you have supplemental coverage, you may pay $0 out of pocket.

Do I need Medicare Advantage for telehealth?

No. Both Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage plans cover telehealth visits. Medicare Advantage plans may offer $0 copays for in-network virtual visits. Original Medicare beneficiaries typically pay 20% coinsurance under Part B, though supplemental coverage often covers the remaining balance.

How much does a Bold Care appointment cost?

78% of Bold patients pay $0 out of pocket for their appointment. Bold providers are in-network with Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more. For the small percentage of patients who do have a payment responsibility, it's usually a modest copay for a virtual visit. Your Care Coordinator will confirm your cost estimate before your first appointment.

Does Medicare cover GLP-1 weight loss medications?

Starting July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries can access FDA-approved GLP-1 medications through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program for a $50 monthly copay. Covered medications include Foundayo®, Wegovy®, and Zepbound®. The program runs through December 31, 2027.

Is Medicare telehealth coverage permanent?

Medicare telehealth flexibilities have been extended through December 31, 2027 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. For now, coverage is locked in through the end of 2027.

What states is Bold available in?

Bold Care is currently available to Medicare members in Texas, California, and Pennsylvania.

Bold Care is an in-network provider for eligible Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and more. Member copay amounts are $0 for covered services under qualifying plans. Benefits, eligibility, and coverage details are subject to individual plan terms and may vary. This is not a guarantee of benefits and does not constitute an official plan document. Contact your plan or Bold Care to confirm your specific coverage. Bold Care is not a replacement for your primary care provider.