Costs, Part B Deductibles, and Billing in 2027
Virtual doctor visits do not carry hidden administrative fees under Original Medicare. You pay the same cost-sharing amount for a telehealth visit as for an in-person appointment.
Part B Coinsurance and Deductible Rules
Original Medicare covers outpatient telehealth services under Medicare Part B. Once you satisfy your annual Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the visit.
In 2026, the standard monthly Part B premium is $202.90, and the annual deductible is $283. CMS releases finalized 2027 figures each November.
According to the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report, the Part B monthly premium is projected to reach $209.50 in 2027. The annual deductible is projected to rise to $292.
The table below compares standard Medicare Part B costs and billing benchmarks between 2026 and 2027.
| Medicare Cost Component | 2026 Final Rate | 2027 Projected Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Monthly Premium | $202.90 | $209.50 (Projected) |
| Part B Annual Deductible | $283.00 | $292.00 (Projected) |
| Telehealth Coinsurance | 20% of approved amount | 20% of approved amount |
| Physician Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | $32.8409 (Proposed) |
The proposed 1.68% conversion factor reduction in CMS-1848-P reflects an expiring statutory pay adjustment. It lowers the conversion factor from $33.4009 to $32.8409, affecting provider payments rather than your coinsurance percentage.
Health Savings Accounts and High-Deductible Plans
Beneficiaries working past age 65 with high-deductible health plans benefit from recent tax reform. Under a permanent provision enacted in 2025, qualifying plans may cover telehealth before meeting the deductible without voiding Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility.
A Real-World Example: Margaret’s Care at Home
Consider Margaret, a 71-year-old living in suburban Ohio. Margaret manages hypertension and is recovering from joint replacement surgery, making driving painful and difficult.
In January 2027, Margaret schedules a virtual follow-up with her cardiologist and two remote physical therapy sessions from her tablet. Because she has met her annual deductible, she owes only her 20% Part B coinsurance.
If Margaret carries a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, that plan generally pays her remaining 20% coinsurance. She receives recovery care without stepping outside her door.
If you do not have supplemental insurance, you are responsible for the 20% coinsurance out of pocket. Asking your clinic’s billing department for the approved fee schedule amount ahead of time prevents unexpected surprises.
