Certain trends are emerging around Medicare patients who are adopting telehealth services the fastest. These insights not only show which patients are taking advantage of telehealth but also point to interesting areas for home care providers to know.
Telehealth services are nearly two times higher than pre-pandemic levels, with more than one in 10 (12.7%) eligible beneficiaries receiving a telehealth service in the final quarter of 2023 (Latest information).
In this article, learn which Medicare patients use telehealth the most, overall telehealth stats, and the latest updates on telehealth’s future.
Trend #1
Use of Telehealth Services Varies by Geography, Race and Ethnicity, Reason for Medicare Eligibility, and Dual Enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid
Geography: Rates of telehealth use in 2023 were higher among beneficiaries living in urban areas than those in rural areas (27% vs. 19%), which may be due in part to access to broadband and other communication technologies. Beneficiaries in rural or underserved areas may lack the infrastructure to support reliable video telehealth visits or the means to afford internet access, which may further impede access to telehealth if coverage of audio-only services is reduced or eliminated.
Race and ethnicity: Rates of telehealth use in 2023 were highest among Asian and Pacific Islander (31%) and Hispanic (30%) beneficiaries, and somewhat lower among Black (26%), American Indian or Alaska Native (25%), and non-Hispanic White beneficiaries (24%). Given that beneficiaries of color are more likely than non-Hispanic White beneficiaries to report difficulty accessing needed health services, telehealth use may help to improve access to care for certain groups.
Trend #2
Medicare Eligibility and Care at Home
Rates of telehealth use in 2023 were higher among beneficiaries who qualify for Medicare based on having end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (37%) or a long-term disability (37%), relative to those who qualify based on age (23%). This may be due in part to higher overall rates of service use among people with ESRD and disabilities (whether in-person or via telehealth) but may also reflect a preference for telehealth services among these populations, or a greater ease of accessing care via telehealth relative to in-person care.
Beneficiaries under age 65 who qualify for Medicare based on having long-term disabilities are more likely than older beneficiaries to report having three or more limitations in activities of daily living and may be more likely to benefit from the increased flexibility of receiving health care services from their home via telehealth.
Trend #3
Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries Have Higher Rates
Rates of telehealth use in 2023 were higher among beneficiaries dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid compared to Medicare beneficiaries who were not Medicaid-eligible (34% vs. 23%). Dual-eligible individuals are four times more likely than other Medicare beneficiaries to live on incomes of less than $20,000. Prior studies have found that having lower income or living in a socioeconomically deprived neighborhood is associated with higher rates of telehealth use, suggesting that telehealth may have the potential to improve health care access for beneficiaries with limited access to in-person services.
Trend #4
Rural Patients Are Leading the Way in Telehealth Adoption
With limited access to healthcare facilities and specialists, rural Medicare patients are among the most significant adopters of telehealth. For these patients, telehealth provides a convenient alternative to long travel distances, especially for routine check-ups or follow-ups. Expanding telehealth access in rural areas could further reduce barriers to essential healthcare for this group.
Trend #5
Chronic Condition Management Drives Usage
Medicare patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, are increasingly turning to telehealth for ongoing care and disease management. Telehealth offers these patients consistent and regular check-ins with providers, which is essential for managing their health. Telehealth care management also supports better medication adherence, lifestyle adjustments, social determinants, and early intervention when issues arise, making telehealth a valuable resource for the Medicare population.
Trend #6
Older Adults are Embracing Telehealth, Especially for Mental Health
While telehealth was initially more popular among younger adults, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed older adults to adopt it, especially for mental health services. Many Medicare patients now use telehealth for therapy, counseling, and mental health check-ins. The flexibility of telehealth reduces the stigma and logistical challenges often associated with seeking mental health care, contributing to improved well-being for these patients.
These trends highlight a growing acceptance of telehealth across specific segments of the Medicare population. By understanding these patterns, home care providers can better address patient needs, streamline resources, and advocate for expanded access to telehealth services to meet these evolving demands.
Lisa Remington
Lisa is a home care and health care growth and business development strategist. As president of the Home Care Leadership Think Tank and publisher of The Remington Report, she is well-known as a trusted industry advisor aligning strategic market intelligence into actionable strategies and business blueprints for decades. Lisa has led C-suite education to over 10,000 organizations through a variety of platforms, including think tanks, strategic improvement programs, board retreats, executive leadership programs, peer-to-peer networking groups, and advisory services.
