As coronavirus spreads, Medicare gets telemedicine option

The coronavirus legislation signed by President Donald Trump on Friday would let Medicare expand the use of telemedicine in outbreak areas, potentially reducing infection risks for vulnerable seniors.

Coverage of telemedicine is now limited primarily to residents of rural areas facing long road trips for treatment from specialists. The bill would allow the government to waive those restrictions to help deal with the public health emergency created by the coronavirus outbreak.

It also could open the way for more lasting changes in Medicare's coverage of virtual health care, including Skyping with the doctor or using devices that beam over measurements such as heart rate.

Telehealth is really instrumental in containing and treating disease, particularly in a public health emergency, said Megan O'Reilly, a lobbyist with AARP, the advocacy group for older people, which pushed for the telemedicine provisions. For older Americans, this can help keep them safe."