THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2026 Page 17 Doctor Visits Without the Drive: How Medicare Covers Telehealth Dear Savvy Senior, I don’t drive much anymore, so getting to the doctor can be a hassle. They suggested telehealth visits, but I’m not very tech savvy. How does Medicare cover these kinds of appointments? --Trying to Keep Up Dear Trying, You’re certainly not alone. Many older adults are running into the same issue. Getting to appointments is not as easy as it used to be, and the idea of using technology for doctor visits can feel a little intimidating at fi rst. The good news is that telehealth has made it much easier to get care without leaving home, and it’s usually much simpler to use than people expect. Medicare covers many of these services, too, making it easier to stay connected with your health care providers. Here’s a look at how it works and what Medicare pays for. What is telehealth? Telehealth is simply a way to see or talk to your doctor from home using a phone, tablet or computer. Visits can be done by video, where you and your doctor can see and talk to each other, or sometimes by a regular phone call. And don’t worry, you don’t need to be a tech expert. Many doctor’s offices use simple systems and will walk you through it step by step. In some cases, all you have to do is click a link they send you or answer your phone at the scheduled time. It’s also important to understand that telehealth visits are not just quick chats. They are considered full medical appointments. Your doctor can go over symptoms, review medications, discuss test results and recommend treatment, much like an in person visit. Does Medicare cover it? Yes, Medicare does cover many telehealth services. While telehealth has been part of Medicare for years, it was expanded signifi cantly during the COVID 19 pandemic so people could safely get care from home. Those expanded benefi ts are still in place today. Right now, Medicare allows you to receive telehealth services from home no matter where you live. Covered visits include a wide range of care, such as reviewing lab results, managing prescriptions, routine checkups, preventive screenings and even evaluating minor illnesses like colds, coughs or infections. In many cases, follow up visits and ongoing care for chronic conditions can also be handled this way. Another big plus is fl exibility. If you are not comfortable with video or do not have internet access, some telehealth visits can still be done using just a regular phone call. And it is not limited to your primary doctor. Many types of health care providers can off er telehealth services. What’s ahead? Here’s where things get a little uncertain. The expanded telehealth coverage that began during the pandemic is not permanent, at least not yet. Under current law, these broader telehealth benefi ts are set to continue through Dec. 31, 2027. After that, Medicare will likely scale back coverage to more limited rules unless Congress steps in and extends the changes. Even so, some telehealth services are expected to continue long term. Mental and behavioral health care, diabetes education, nutrition therapy and certain dialysis related visits should still be covered. Audio-only phone visits for mental health care are also expected to remain available. If you are curious about telehealth, start by calling your doctor’s offi ce and asking what options they off er. They can guide you through the process and help you feel comfortable before your fi rst appointment. It may feel unfamiliar at fi rst, but many people fi nd that once they try telehealth, it’s a simple and convenient way to stay on top of their health, especially when getting to appointments is diffi cult. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5, Norman, OK 7070. BHRC | FROM Page 16 sist law enforcement as witnesses, and speeds up review of their special visa applications so they can keep participating in investigations or trials. “Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, ICE and Border Patrol agents have continued to harass and disappear innocent Americans with total impunity—a reckless approach that has led to the deaths of American citizens and legal residents and to children being separated from their families,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “Those actions have immigrants in Massachusetts living in fear as they go to work or bring their children to school. And they jeopardize the trust that local law enforcement has worked hard to build. That’s BHRC | SEE Page 18 1. On Aug. 7, 1909, Alice Ramsey drove the fi rst female transcontinental car trip (NYC to San Francisco in 59 days); what protective clothing was worn? 2. What state’s State Blues Artist has the same name as a famous building? 3. What are the Canary Islands named after? 4. On Aug. 8, 1969, what album (has the song “Something”) cover photo was taken at a “zebra crossing”? 5. What was a vinegar valentine? 6. What singer’s epitaph is “The best is yet to come”? 7. Aug. 9 is Book Lovers Day; in 1996 who introduced her Book Club on a TV show? 8. What character in Homer’s “Odyssey” is also the name of a music style? 9. In 1990 what self-help columnist said, “Hanging on to resentment is letting someone you despise live rent free in your head”? 10. On Aug. 10, 1971, the Society for American Baseball Research was founded in Cooperstown in what state? 11. Where is Massachusetts Hall: Harvard, the State House or the MFA? 12. Oaxaca, Mexico, has a December festival where contestants sculpt what: carrots, pumpkins or radishes? 13. How are Burmese, Maine coon and Manx similar? 14. On Aug. 11, 117, who became a Roman emperor who later created a 73-mile wall? 15. In July 2026 in what country (name derived from an Iroquoian word) was the largest attendance at a drag artist stage show? 16. In 1908 a New Haven man invented the modern lollipop, naming it after what animal? 17. On Aug. 12, 1964, what author of “You Only Live Twice” died? 18. What is known as the Defenestration of Prague? 19. What is plastination? 20. On Aug. 13, 2004, what Emmy-winning chef died who is the namesake of a buttery yellow rose? Answers 1. Hats, goggles and dusters 2. Massachusetts (Taj Mahal) 3. Dogs (their Latin name, Canariae Insulae, means “Islands of the Dogs”) 4. “Abbey Road” (Zebra crossing is the name for a type of striped crosswalk.) 5. Cheap USA and UK postcards in the 1800s that had insulting illustrations and poems 6. Frank Sinatra 7. Oprah Winfrey 8. Calypso 9. Ann Landers 10. New York (now located in Phoenix, Arizona) 11. Harvard College 12. Radishes (La Noche de R?banos) 13. Cat breed names that relate to places 14. Hadrian (Hadrian’s Wall was in the Roman province of Brittania.) 15. Canada (Cowboys Music Festival in Calgary, Alberta — 7,423 participants) 16. The racehorse Lolly Pop (That name was trademarked after a long dispute about its origin.) 17. Ian Fleming 18. A 1618 instance of religious offi cials being thrown out of windows (no serios injury) 19. Preserving tissue by replacing fat and water with a polymer 20. Julia Child (Rosa ‘Julia Child’)
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