Finding telehealth that accepts Medicaid is a priority for the tens of millions of Americans enrolled in the program who want the convenience of virtual healthcare without high out-of-pocket costs. The good news is that every state Medicaid program now covers some form of telehealth, though the specifics of coverage, eligible services, and participating providers vary significantly from state to state. Telehealth that accepts Medicaid can provide access to primary care, mental health services, specialist consultations, and chronic disease management at little to no cost.
Medicaid telehealth coverage expanded dramatically during the pandemic, and CMS has encouraged states to make many of those expansions permanent. Telehealth use among Medicaid beneficiaries rose enormously between 2019 and the early 2020s and, while some pandemic-era flexibilities have since expired or changed, the core of Medicaid telehealth coverage remains intact and continues to evolve. (Total Medicaid and CHIP enrollment shifted after the pandemic-era “continuous enrollment” protection ended and states resumed eligibility renewals — so if your coverage has lapsed, it is worth confirming your current enrollment status.)
This guide identifies the telehealth platforms and services that accept Medicaid, explains what services are covered, and provides practical strategies for accessing virtual care with your Medicaid benefits. For a broader look at how virtual visits work, see our telehealth guide.
Telehealth is not for emergencies. If you are having a medical emergency — such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, severe bleeding, or a serious injury — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or a substance use crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Do not wait for a scheduled virtual visit in an emergency.
The short version: All 50 states and D.C. cover some Medicaid telehealth, but the details vary by state and by managed care plan. The most reliable routes to covered virtual care are your own Medicaid-accepting provider, your managed care plan’s telehealth benefit, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which serve everyone on a sliding scale. Copays are usually $0 to a few dollars. Behavioral health is especially well covered. Start by calling the member services number on your Medicaid card and asking exactly what telehealth your plan covers.
How Medicaid Telehealth Coverage Works
Medicaid is administered at the state level, which means telehealth coverage rules vary by state. However, CMS has established federal guidelines that create a baseline of coverage across the program.
Federal guidance. CMS supports state Medicaid coverage of telehealth and gives states significant latitude to define the scope, eligible provider types, and reimbursement rates. The agency has encouraged states to adopt broad telehealth policies that expand access for beneficiaries, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Because states set most of the rules, coverage can differ substantially depending on where you live.
State-level variation. Some states cover a wide range of telehealth services, including primary care, behavioral health, specialist consultations, physical therapy, and chronic disease management. Others have more limited coverage. Key variables include whether audio-only (phone) visits are covered, which provider types can bill for telehealth, and whether there are geographic or originating-site restrictions. Audio-only coverage in particular has been an area of ongoing policy change, so confirm your state’s current rules.
Managed care plans. The majority of Medicaid beneficiaries are enrolled in managed care plans administered by private insurers under contract with the state. These plans may offer telehealth benefits beyond the state minimum, including partnerships with specific telehealth platforms. Contact your managed care plan directly to understand your specific telehealth benefits.
Cost to the patient. In most states, Medicaid telehealth visits have no copay or a nominal copay of a dollar or a few dollars. For many beneficiaries, especially those with the lowest incomes, copays are often waived entirely. This makes telehealth one of the most cost-effective ways for Medicaid enrollees to access healthcare.
Telehealth Platforms and Providers That Accept Medicaid
Not all telehealth platforms accept Medicaid, and among those that do, coverage varies by state and managed care plan. Here are the platforms and services most likely to accept your Medicaid benefits. For a broader comparison, see our guide to the best telehealth platforms. Because partnerships change frequently, always verify current coverage with your plan before booking.
Amwell. Amwell partners with a number of state Medicaid programs and managed care plans to provide virtual visits for primary care, urgent care, and behavioral health. Coverage depends on your state and specific plan, so check Amwell’s website or contact your managed care plan to verify eligibility.
Teladoc. As one of the largest telehealth companies in the United States, Teladoc has partnerships with numerous Medicaid managed care plans. Services typically include primary care, mental health, and dermatology consultations. Teladoc’s scale means it is one of the more widely available telehealth options for Medicaid beneficiaries, though coverage still varies by state and plan.
MDLive. MDLive works with certain Medicaid managed care plans for primary care and behavioral health visits. The platform offers extended availability, which can be particularly valuable for Medicaid populations who may have difficulty accessing care during traditional business hours due to work or transportation constraints.
Your existing provider’s telehealth option. Many primary care physicians, community health centers, and specialty practices that accept Medicaid now offer telehealth visits through their own systems (often using platforms like Doxy.me, Zoom for Healthcare, or telehealth built into their electronic health record). If you have an established relationship with a Medicaid-accepting provider, ask whether they offer telehealth visits. This is often the simplest path to covered virtual care.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). FQHCs serve millions of Medicaid patients and have broadly adopted telehealth. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the large majority of FQHCs now offer some form of telehealth. Because FQHCs are required to serve all patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay — using a sliding fee scale based on income — they are one of the most reliable options for Medicaid enrollees seeking virtual care, and for people whose Medicaid status is uncertain.
State-specific and community programs. Some states have launched their own telehealth initiatives or partnered with specific platforms to serve Medicaid populations, and some community health organizations offer free or low-cost virtual visits. Check your state Medicaid agency’s website and local community health resources for options specific to where you live.
What Services Does Medicaid Cover Through Telehealth?
The range of Medicaid-covered telehealth services has expanded significantly and now encompasses most outpatient healthcare categories, though exact coverage varies by state.
Primary care. Routine check-ups, acute illness evaluation, prescription management, and chronic disease follow-up are covered via telehealth in most state Medicaid programs. Research has shown that telehealth primary care visits can produce clinical outcomes comparable to in-person visits for many common conditions, though some issues still require an in-person exam.
Behavioral and mental health. This is one of the most broadly covered telehealth categories under Medicaid. Individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric medication management, substance use disorder counseling, and crisis follow-up are covered in the vast majority of states. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has strongly supported telehealth-based behavioral health care. (Remember: for an active crisis, use 988 rather than waiting for a scheduled visit.)
Specialist consultations. Dermatology, cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, and other specialty consultations are increasingly available via telehealth under Medicaid, particularly in states with significant rural populations where specialist access is limited.
Chronic disease management. Remote monitoring and telehealth check-ins for diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, COPD, and other chronic conditions are covered in many state programs. Some states have implemented specific chronic disease telehealth programs with enhanced reimbursement to encourage provider participation.
Prenatal and postpartum care. Several states cover telehealth for prenatal visits, postpartum follow-up, and lactation consulting. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports telehealth for low-risk prenatal care as a complement to necessary in-person visits.
Physical and occupational therapy. Coverage for telehealth-based rehabilitation services varies by state but has expanded in recent years. Some states cover both video-based PT/OT and, in certain cases, audio-only sessions.
How to Access Telehealth With Medicaid
Navigating Medicaid telehealth coverage can be confusing given the state-by-state variation. Here is a step-by-step approach to finding and using covered telehealth services.
Step 1: Identify your plan. Determine whether you are enrolled in fee-for-service Medicaid or a managed care plan. Your Medicaid card or welcome packet will have this information. If you are in a managed care plan, note the plan name and member services phone number. If you are unsure whether your coverage is still active, contact your state Medicaid agency to confirm.
Step 2: Contact your plan. Call the member services number on your Medicaid card and ask specifically about telehealth benefits. Ask which services are covered, which providers or platforms are in network for telehealth, whether audio-only visits are covered, and what your copay is (if any).
Step 3: Check your provider. If you have an existing primary care provider or specialist, call their office and ask whether they offer telehealth visits and whether they bill Medicaid for those visits. Many providers who were slow to adopt telehealth before the pandemic now offer it routinely.
Step 4: Use your state’s resources. Visit your state Medicaid agency’s website for telehealth-specific information. Many states have created dedicated telehealth pages with provider directories, covered service lists, and instructions for accessing virtual care. For context on how virtual visits work in general, our guide on what a virtual visit involves provides a helpful overview.
Step 5: Try an FQHC. If you cannot find a telehealth provider through your plan, contact your nearest Federally Qualified Health Center. FQHCs are required to serve all patients regardless of insurance status and offer a sliding fee scale, and their telehealth offerings have expanded dramatically in recent years.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Medicaid beneficiaries face unique challenges in accessing telehealth. Understanding these barriers and their solutions can improve your experience.
Technology access. Not all Medicaid beneficiaries have reliable internet access or smartphones. Federal internet-affordability programs have changed in recent years — the Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024, though the longstanding Lifeline program still offers a discount on phone or internet service for eligible low-income households, and some states and providers offer their own connectivity support. Many telehealth platforms also support audio-only visits by phone, which eliminates the need for a video-capable device or broadband internet. Check whether your state Medicaid program covers audio-only telehealth.
Digital literacy. Some patients are unfamiliar with video-call technology. Many FQHCs and community health organizations offer help and technical support for telehealth, and some managed care plans provide dedicated telehealth onboarding assistance for members. It is fine to ask for a test call before your appointment.
Language barriers. Medicaid serves a diverse population, and language access is essential. Many telehealth platforms offer interpreter services, and some provide care in multiple languages. Under federal law, healthcare providers receiving federal funds (including Medicaid) are generally required to provide meaningful language access. Ask about interpreter services when scheduling your telehealth visit.
Provider availability. In some states and managed care plans, the network of providers offering Medicaid telehealth is smaller than the overall telehealth market. If you cannot find a provider through your plan, escalate to your managed care plan’s member services department and request assistance. You may also be able to access out-of-network telehealth services with a referral if no in-network option is available.
Navigating prescription coverage. If your telehealth visit results in a prescription, verify that the medication is on your Medicaid plan’s formulary before filling it. Medicaid formularies can be restrictive, and a prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Your telehealth provider can often help navigate this process or prescribe a covered alternative. Rules for prescribing certain controlled substances via telehealth have also continued to change; for background, see our overview of DEA telemedicine prescribing rules.
Mental Health Telehealth for Medicaid Patients
Mental health is one of the most impactful areas of Medicaid telehealth, and it deserves special attention given the significant unmet need for behavioral health services in the Medicaid population.
Medicaid covers a disproportionate share of Americans with mental health and substance use disorders, yet access to behavioral health providers is often constrained by workforce shortages and geographic barriers. Telehealth directly addresses both problems by enabling patients to connect with providers regardless of location. Most state Medicaid programs cover telehealth for individual therapy, psychiatric medication management, and substance use disorder counseling, and many also cover group therapy and intensive outpatient programs delivered virtually.
The evidence supporting telehealth-based mental health care is robust: for many conditions, telemental health produces outcomes comparable to in-person treatment, with the added benefits of reduced no-show rates and improved treatment retention. If you are a Medicaid beneficiary seeking mental health support, ask your managed care plan about dedicated behavioral health telehealth resources — many plans partner with behavioral health organizations that offer virtual appointments with short wait times. And again, if you are in crisis, call or text 988 right away rather than waiting for an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicaid cover telehealth in every state?
Yes. All 50 states and the District of Columbia provide some level of Medicaid telehealth coverage. However, the scope of covered services, eligible provider types, and whether audio-only visits are covered vary significantly by state. CMS has encouraged states to maintain broader telehealth policies adopted during the pandemic, and many have done so to varying degrees, while continuing to adjust the rules over time.
Do I need a copay for Medicaid telehealth visits?
In most cases, Medicaid telehealth copays are $0 to a few dollars. Many states waive copays entirely for the lowest-income beneficiaries, and some managed care plans have eliminated telehealth copays as an incentive for virtual care. Check with your specific plan for your copay amount.
Can I use telehealth for my child’s Medicaid visits?
Yes. Children enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can access telehealth for many pediatric services, including some sick visits, behavioral health, and follow-up care. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports telehealth for appropriate pediatric care while emphasizing that in-person visits remain necessary for physical examinations, immunizations, and developmental screenings that require hands-on assessment.
What if my Medicaid telehealth visit is denied or not covered?
If a telehealth visit is denied, contact your managed care plan’s member services to understand the reason. Common denial reasons include using an out-of-network provider, accessing a service not covered by your plan’s telehealth benefit, or billing errors. You have the right to appeal Medicaid coverage denials through your state’s fair hearing process, and many states have Medicaid ombudsman offices that can help resolve coverage disputes.
Can I switch from in-person to telehealth with my current Medicaid provider?
In most cases, yes. If your current Medicaid provider offers telehealth, you can typically switch between in-person and virtual visits based on your preference and the clinical appropriateness of the visit. Ask your provider’s office about their telehealth scheduling process.
Making the Most of Medicaid Telehealth
Telehealth has become a powerful tool for Medicaid beneficiaries to access healthcare more conveniently and with fewer barriers. The key is knowing what your plan covers, which providers offer Medicaid-covered virtual visits, and how to navigate the system effectively. Start by contacting your managed care plan, checking your state Medicaid agency’s website, and asking your existing providers about telehealth availability — and consider an FQHC if you need a reliable, sliding-scale option.
As coverage continues to expand and more providers adopt virtual care, Medicaid telehealth is helping close access gaps that have historically left low-income populations underserved. Take advantage of these benefits to stay on top of your health without the transportation, childcare, and time-off-work barriers that make in-person visits difficult — while remembering that emergencies and acute crises call for 911 or 988, not a scheduled virtual visit. For more on navigating virtual healthcare, explore our telehealth guide.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical or insurance advice. Medicaid telehealth coverage is set by each state and by individual managed care plans and changes frequently; platform partnerships also change. Always verify current coverage, covered services, and costs with your own plan and state Medicaid agency before relying on them. For a medical emergency, call 911; for a mental health or suicidal crisis, call or text 988.