Today, telehealth coverage has become a trusted, everyday option for getting the care you need—no waiting rooms required. Virtual care options allow you to manage your health on your schedule, offering the flexibility to connect with providers from the comfort of your home, your workplace, or even while traveling.

Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, following up on a new symptom, checking in about prescriptions or seeking mental health support, telehealth coverage gives you more control over your healthcare journey. It’s designed to make care more accessible, more affordable and more convenient—without sacrificing quality.

But how does it work with health insurance plans, especially through the Health Insurance Marketplace? And what should you look for when choosing a plan that offers virtual care options? Let’s walk through the basics so you can feel confident about using—and choosing—telehealth services. 

Telehealth and Virtual Care

Telehealth and virtual care refer to healthcare services delivered remotely, using technology like phones, video calls or secure online messaging. Instead of visiting a doctor's office or clinic in person, you can meet with licensed healthcare providers from where you are—at home, at work or anywhere else.

Telehealth and virtual care services can support a wide range of health needs, including:

• Routine checkups to manage ongoing care
• Mental health counseling or therapy appointments
• Specialist consultations for specific conditions
• Follow-up visits after surgeries, treatments or procedures
• Prescription management and medication refills

Thanks to advancements in technology—and broader insurance coverage—virtual care has become a reliable and convenient way to stay connected to your health team, especially when an in-person visit isn’t necessary.

Benefits of using telehealth services include:

• Convenience: Schedule appointments around your life and access care from the comfort of home.
• Time savings: Eliminate long commutes, waiting rooms and time away from work or family.
• Expanded access: Get care even if you live in rural areas or communities with fewer providers.
• Continuity of care: Stay on top of your health between in-person visits, catch small issues before they become bigger concerns.

Whether it’s a quick consultation for a minor illness or a regular check-in for a chronic condition, telehealth offers a flexible, easy way to prioritize your well-being—on your schedule.

Coverage for a Range of Healthcare Needs

Telehealth coverage can open the door to a wide variety of healthcare services—but it’s important to know that coverage and costs can vary depending on your plan.

For example, some Ambetter Health plans available through the Marketplace include unlimited virtual 24/7 care visits received from a designated telehealth provider at no charge, except when the plan is paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Always review your specific plan documents for exact details, since coverage rules can differ from plan to plan—even between providers on the Marketplace. Common services typically covered through telehealth include:

• Routine primary care visits
• Mental health counseling and therapy
• Management of chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension
• Dermatology consultations
• Prescription refill appointments
• Lab test orders and screenings
• Specialist referrals

What about prescriptions, lab tests, images and referrals?

Virtual care can often address many of the same healthcare needs that you would bring up during an in-person visit. In many cases, telehealth providers are able to offer comprehensive support, helping you continue your care plan without the need to step into a doctor’s office.

Depending on your plan and the type of service needed, virtual care providers can:

• Write and send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy
• Order lab work or imaging tests like x-rays
• Refer you to a specialist if needed

Help coordinate necessary follow-up care after the virtual visit

How Does Telehealth/Virtual Care Work?

Using telehealth is designed to be straightforward—and you don’t need a complicated setup to get started. Virtual care is meant to fit into your life easily, offering a simple way to connect with healthcare providers without the extra travel, waiting rooms, or time away from home or work.

Technology requirements typically include:

• A smartphone, tablet or computer with reliable internet access
• A built-in or external camera and microphone for video visits
• Access to a secure telehealth app, platform or patient portal recommended by your health plan or provider

Before your first virtual visit, you may need to download a specific app, create an account or complete basic setup steps. Most platforms are user-friendly and walk you through the process in just a few minutes.

Even if you’re new to virtual care, getting started is simple. Your health plan, customer service team, or provider’s office can walk you through the setup and help you schedule your first appointment. A little preparation goes a long way toward making your telehealth experience smooth, easy, and stress-free.

How to Learn More About a Plan’s Telehealth Options

Before scheduling a virtual visit, it’s a good idea to check the telehealth benefits included in your plan.

Here’s how to do it:

• Review your plan documents for telehealth details, including costs, coverage limits, and provider network information.
• Visit your health plan’s website to find virtual care instructions and authorized providers.
• Contact your plan’s member services team if you have questions about coverage for specific services.

When shopping for Marketplace plans during open enrollment or special enrollment periods, you can also look for plan descriptions that highlight telehealth options—making it easier to choose a plan that fits your needs.

Explore Virtual Care with Ambetter Health

Telehealth has made it easier than ever to stay connected to the care you need—on your terms. Whether you’re checking in with your primary care provider, managing a long-term condition, or seeking mental health support, a strong telehealth benefit gives you flexibility, convenience and peace of mind.

When you choose a health plan with virtual care options, you're choosing a healthcare experience that works for you—not the other way around. At Ambetter Health, we’re proud to offer affordable health insurance plans that fit your lifestyle, with access to virtual care that keeps you covered no matter where life takes you.

Questions About Telehealth and Virtual Care Coverage