Telehealth Resources

Myths, Realities & Funding

Telehealth Myths and Realities

Plain-language answers to common concerns about telehealth.

Myth 1: Telehealth is just for minor problems

Reality: Telehealth is widely used for chronic conditions, mental health, medication management, and post-hospital follow-ups.

What the evidence shows:
Health systems across the U.S. use telehealth for ongoing primary and behavioral health care, often alongside in-person visits. Telehealth also helps people with mobility, transportation, or caregiving challenges stay engaged in complex care plans (University of Rochester Medical Center).

Myth 2: Everyone already has what they need for telehealth

Reality: Millions of people in the U.S. still lack broadband, devices, private space, or the skills needed to use telehealth.

What the evidence shows:
Digital access gaps remain widespread in the U.S., particularly among lower-income households, rural residents, older adults, and people with limited English proficiency. These barriers directly affect who can use telehealth services (Network of the National Library of Medicine).

Myth 3: Telehealth isn’t covered by insurance

Reality: Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurers now cover many telehealth services, though details vary by state and plan.

What the evidence shows:
Telehealth coverage is now a standard component of many insurance plans, even though eligibility and service coverage differ by state and provider (Priority Care Clinics).

Myth 4: Telehealth requires a video call

Reality: Some programs and states allow audio-only visits, especially when video is not possible.

What the evidence shows:
Audio-only telehealth plays a critical role for people without smartphones, data plans, or private spaces for video visits, and is an important equity strategy (MOST Policy Initiative).

Myth 5: Telehealth isn’t for older adults or people with disabilities

Reality: Older adults and people with disabilities successfully use telehealth when accessibility and support are built in.

What the evidence shows:
Research shows that telehealth is effective for older adults and people with disabilities when platforms are designed with accessibility features and caregiver support (National Library of Medicine).

Myth 6: Telehealth means we don’t need local clinics anymore

Reality: Telehealth works best as a partner to in-person care, not a replacement.

What the evidence shows:
Hands-on exams, procedures, lab work, and vaccinations still require local clinics. Strong care models integrate telehealth with local providers and community-based access points (National Library of Medicine).

Key takeaways

Telehealth should not replace in-person care, but it must be available as a real, accessible choice.

Digital health inclusion succeeds when systems are:

Accessible by design
Supported by reliable and affordable connectivity
Flexible and person-centred
Backed by infrastructure and policy, not assumptions

What Community Partners can do

Help neighbors get connected through affordable internet options, community Wi-Fi, shared devices, and hotspot lending programs.
Offer safe, private telehealth spaces in libraries, community centers, and other trusted local locations.
Provide digital skills coaching and accessibility support, especially for older adults and disabled people.
Partner with local clinics and health centers to share clear information about telehealth options and insurance coverage.
Advocate for accessible telehealth platforms — including captioning, screen-reader compatibility, and multiple language options — so disabled and multilingual patients are not left behind.