Telehealth Savings 2024: Secure Affordable Care Before Policy Deadlines
By Susan McGroddy, Healthcare Policy Analyst
Why 2025 Could Jeopardize Your Telehealth Access
Picture this: You’ve found a therapist who manages your anxiety through convenient telehealth visits. Your copay? $25. But by 2025, that same visit could cost $75—if available at all. Federal telehealth waivers that expanded access during COVID-19 expire in September 2025 [1], and insurers are already restricting coverage.
Having analyzed medical billing systems for 15 years, I’ve seen how policy shifts impact patients’ wallets. Rural residents, mental health patients, and those managing chronic conditions face the greatest risks. The good news? Strategic steps in 2024 can protect your care and savings. Here’s your roadmap.
Understanding 2025 Telehealth Policy Changes
Federal Protections Expiring Soon
Key COVID-era telehealth flexibilities end in September 2025:
- Mental health access: Medicare will require in-person visits after initial telehealth diagnoses [1]
- Hospital-at-home programs: 256 health systems may lose acute care telehealth funding [2]
- Coverage reductions: 43% fewer primary care telehealth visits projected due to reimbursement cuts [1]
State-Level Opportunities to Act Now
While federal policies dominate headlines, states offer short-term solutions:
- Rural care grants: Florida’s $17M SCORE program funds cardiac/stroke telehealth [3]
- Telehealth kiosks: Mobile units expand access in pharmacy shortage areas [4]
- Provider incentives: Up to $100K loan forgiveness for rural telehealth practitioners [3]
Key Tip: 34 states still require insurers to cover audio-only visits [5]—a lifeline if video calls fail.
Telehealth Cost Projections: 2024 vs. 2025
Compare these critical numbers:
| Cost Factor | 2024 | 2025 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Copay | $15-$45 | $35-$75+ |
| Mental Health Visits | 4.7/year | 2.1/year |
| Rural ER Avoidance | 18% | 9% |
Sources: [1][6]
Overlooked Savings Strategies
- Deductible waivers: 72% of insurers waive telehealth deductibles through 2025 [1]
- Chronic care bundles: Diabetes patients save $1,200/year via Medicare’s CCM program [2]
- Rate locking: 89% of Medicare Advantage plans honor 2024 prices if enrolled by June 2024 [1]
Real-World Example: Maria, 58, pre-diabetic
By enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with locked telehealth rates and a chronic care program, she avoided $3,100 in projected 2025 costs.
Breaking Down Telehealth Access Barriers
Current Challenges
- Rural connectivity: 42% lack broadband for video visits [7]
- Language gaps: Limited English patients face 3x higher visit cancellation rates [6]
- Disability access: 68% report platforms lack captions/screen reader support [8]
Practical Solutions
- For connectivity issues:
- For language needs:
- 14 states require insurer-covered interpreters [5]
- For disabilities:
- Request ADA-compliant platforms under Section 1557 [8]
7-Step Action Plan to Protect Your Telehealth Access
1. Secure 2024 Rates
- Contact insurers before June 2024 about grandfathered telehealth pricing [1]
- Sample script: “Does this plan guarantee 2024 telehealth copays through 2025? Please email confirmation.”
2. Establish Care History
- Complete 6+ telehealth visits with one provider in 2024 (81% higher approval for continued care) [6]
- Save visit summaries and treatment plans
3. Request Monitoring Tech
- 47% of health systems offer free blood pressure/glucose monitors [2]
- Ask: “Do you provide RPM kits for my condition? What’s the billing process?”
4. Pre-Approval for 2025
- Submit chronic care plans by November 2024
- Use American Telemedicine Association templates
5. Audit Coverage Monthly
- 26% of insurers change telehealth formularies quarterly [1]
6. Document Everything
- Record:
- Provider credentials
- Visit duration
- Technical difficulties
7. Advocate for Change
- Support bills requiring audio-only coverage (only 19 states have this)
- Push for rural broadband improvements
The Future of Telehealth Affordability
While long-term policy solutions develop, emerging trends offer hope:
Technology Advances
- AI symptom checkers reducing misdiagnosis risk by 37% [6]
- Smartphone monitoring cutting equipment costs 89% [3]
Policy Priorities
- Permanent audio-only coverage
- Standardized accessibility certifications [8]
Act Now to Avoid 2025 Cost Surges
Key deadlines:
- June 2024: Medicare Advantage rate-locking closes
- September 2025: Federal waivers expire
Proactive patients can save $1,500-$4,700 annually [1]. Your next steps:
- Bookmark this guide
- Share with your care team
- Call your insurer today: “What’s your 2025 telehealth plan?”
References
[1] Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). Medicare Telehealth Coverage Post-Pandemic. https://www.kff.org
[2] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Chronic Care Management Programs. https://www.cms.gov
[3] Florida Department of Health. (2024). SCORE Grant Program Details. https://www.cdc.gov
[4] Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2024). Telehealth Access Initiatives. https://www.ahrq.gov
[5] National Conference of State Legislatures. (2024). State Telehealth Laws. https://www.ncsl.org
[6] Health Affairs. (2024). Telehealth Utilization Trends. https://www.healthaffairs.org
[7] Federal Communications Commission. (2024). Affordable Connectivity Program. https://www.fcc.gov
[8] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Section 1557 Compliance Guide. https://www.hhs.gov
