Telehealth Flexibility Extensions and Projected Part B Premiums
Extended Telehealth Access and Virtual Diabetes Prevention
Federal legislation extends broad Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027. Beneficiaries can continue receiving covered medical and mental health services from anywhere in the United States, including directly inside their homes.
You do not need to travel to a designated rural clinic or hospital facility to consult with medical specialists. Audio-only phone visits also remain covered for patients who lack reliable high-speed broadband or video equipment.
Preventive care receives a parallel digital upgrade in 2027. Beneficiaries participating in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program can now complete the entire curriculum through certified virtual-only providers, removing geographic barriers to vital lifestyle classes.
Projected Adjustments to the Standard Part B Premium
Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient care, and durable medical equipment. The Medicare Trustees Report projects that the standard monthly Part B premium will increase by 3.25% to $209.50 in 2027, up from $202.90 in 2026.
The annual Part B deductible is also expected to rise alongside monthly premiums. Higher clinical service utilization and rising healthcare technology expenses drive these projected annual baseline adjustments.
As of early November 2026, CMS has not yet officially finalized the exact 2027 Part B premium and deductible amounts. CMS publishes finalized numbers late each fall, which you can verify directly on Medicare.gov.
