Surveys Suggest Seniors Aren't Using Telehealth During COVID-19 Crisis

A Better Medicare Alliance survey of roughly 1,000 seniors on Medicare Advantage plans found that only 24 percent have used telehealth during the COVID-19 crisis, while just 52 percent said they would be comfortable using telehealth to access care, 30 percent would not, and 18 percent were uncertain, reports mHealth Intelligence . Additionally, a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Tracking Poll in March estimated that only 11 percent of respondents 65 or older had used video-based telemedicine to consult with a doctor within the previous two weeks, even though 68 percent had access to the technology. Moreover, 38 percent of polled seniors said they had used video technology to speak with family or friends during the same period. "This finding might put some realistic bounds on expectations for use of telehealth by people with Medicare during the COVID-19 emergency," KFF suggested. "At the same time, we might expect this share to increase somewhat as more patients learn about the option to seek medical care from their providers via telehealth. Family members might also be encouraging their older relatives to use telehealth in order to safely receive care they may need from their own homes." As federal and state governments ease guidelines and widen coverage for telehealth during the pandemic, the situation seems perfect for higher uptake among seniors. "The provision of these services during the COVID-19 emergency may also pave the way for more widespread adoption of telehealth moving forward," the KFF study said.