Telehealth went from a novelty to a mainstream healthcare delivery channel during the pandemic — and it’s now a standard feature in most health insurance plans. As you evaluate 2027 Open Enrollment options, understanding what telehealth services are covered and at what cost can make a meaningful difference in both convenience and out-of-pocket spending.
What Is Telehealth in 2027?
Telehealth encompasses any healthcare service delivered remotely — via video call, phone, or secure messaging — rather than in-person. In 2027, most health insurance plans cover telehealth visits for:
- Primary care consultations and follow-ups
- Mental health therapy and psychiatry
- Urgent care visits (cold, flu, minor infections, etc.)
- Chronic disease management
- Prescription renewals and medication management
- Specialist consultations (cardiology, dermatology, etc.)
Telehealth Costs Under Different Plan Types
Coverage and cost-sharing for telehealth varies significantly between plans:
- Some plans cover telehealth primary care visits at $0 copay before the deductible
- Others apply the full deductible before covering telehealth visits
- Many plans offer unlimited telehealth through a specific platform (Teladoc, MDLive, etc.) included in the premium
- Mental health telehealth may be covered differently from medical telehealth
When comparing 2027 plans, look specifically at the telehealth cost-sharing — a plan with a $0 telehealth copay can save a regular user hundreds per year compared to plans that apply full deductibles to virtual visits.
Telehealth for Mental Health: Particularly Important
The mental health telehealth market has matured significantly. Platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp operate separately from insurance, but most ACA plans also offer covered in-network telehealth therapy at standard mental health copay rates. Confirm whether the specific therapists and modalities you need are covered in-network.
Telehealth and Networks
Telehealth services still operate within network rules. A telehealth visit with an in-network provider is covered like any in-network service; out-of-network telehealth visits may be covered differently. Most plans have dedicated telehealth platforms with pre-vetted in-network providers.
Why This Matters for Your Plan Choice
If you rely on telehealth regularly — for mental health, chronic disease management, or routine care — the telehealth cost-sharing structure should factor into your plan comparison. A plan with $5 telehealth copays vs. $40 copays makes a real annual difference for a frequent user.
Want to compare 2027 plans based on their telehealth benefits? Contact Paul at Garden State Benefits for a no-cost, no-obligation review of your 2027 options — he’s a licensed independent broker serving individuals and families across 26 states.