Key takeaways:
As of January 1, 2025, Medicare covers some FDA-approved digital health apps known as digital therapeutics. These are used to treat specific conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
You will need a prescription from a healthcare professional to access digital therapeutics.
Your Medicare plan may also cover items and services related to your digital health app. These include setup, monitoring, and necessary devices.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has gained more coverage from health insurance plans as remote healthcare services have become common. In January 2025, Medicare began covering a few digital health apps. These treat specific conditions, including depression, insomnia, and anxiety. The apps are known as digital therapeutics or prescription digital therapeutics. They differ from general wellness apps because they are approved by the FDA based on clinical research and testing. They require a prescription for use.
This article explains how Medicare coverage has expanded for digital health apps and how to access them if you qualify.
Does Medicare cover digital health apps?
Yes, Medicare now pays for certain digital health apps that deliver recurring care. These digital therapeutics must be prescribed by a healthcare professional to be covered by Medicare or another health insurance plan.
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Many of the apps covered by Medicare focus on mental health. They are designed to improve symptoms over time and complement in-person or telehealth visits with therapists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals.
Medicare coverage for digital therapeutics began in January 2025. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) created new medical codes so that prescribers can be reimbursed when they monitor these tools. In some cases, Medicare may also cover the cost of the device that runs the app, such as a tablet or smartphone, and provide this as part of the treatment.
What kinds of digital health apps does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers a small group of digital health apps that are used to treat mental health conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. The apps deliver clinically tested treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Digital therapeutics are different from the apps you use to look up health information or track your steps. They are an official part of your medical treatment plan, and they require a diagnosis and a prescription.
Coverage is expected to grow as more digital therapeutic products receive FDA approval and meet Medicare’s criteria for reimbursement.
Does Medicare cover more than my access to the app?
Yes, Medicare coverage for digital health apps can extend beyond the app (or software) itself. CMS allows healthcare professionals, durable medical equipment (DME) companies, and other suppliers to submit claims to be reimbursed for:
A digital health device that runs the app, such as a tablet or wearable sensor
Delivery or setup of the device for the person who is prescribed the app
Ongoing management services tied to app use, such as check-ins, monitoring, or coaching
What telehealth services does Medicare cover? Telehealth services covered by original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans include virtual visits, mental health counseling, and consultations.
Do health insurance plans cover digital health apps? A digital health app that may help your condition (known as digital therapeutics) could be covered by your insurance. To get started, you’ll need to check with your plan, have a prescription, and make sure you have the required digital device.
Telehealth vs. telemedicine: Telehealth is the use of digital technology to improve and deliver healthcare, while telemedicine refers to a specific service, including healthcare delivery through a digital app. Telemedicine is a type of telehealth.
If a device is required to use the app and it’s part of the treatment plan, then the device and setup fees may also be covered.
Coverage varies based on the app, your diagnosis, and a healthcare professional’s billing practices. If you’re unsure what is included, ask your doctor, review your plan’s summary of benefits and coverage, or contact your Medicare plan.
Which Medicare-covered digital health apps are considered mental health therapeutics?
These apps are approved by the FDA to treat specific mental health conditions:
Rejoyn for major depressive disorder
Are there Medicare-covered digital health apps that treat other conditions?
These are the other FDA-approved apps eligible for Medicare reimbursement:
How can I get access to a digital health app covered by Medicare?
Start by talking to your doctor or another Medicare-approved healthcare professional. These apps must be prescribed, just like a prescription medication or DME.
Once the app is prescribed, a healthcare professional will show you how to access and use the app.
Some apps can be downloaded to your smartphone or tablet. Others may be provided through a link or an activation code. In some cases, Medicare may cover a device if you don’t have one that’s compatible with the prescribed app.
Not all Medicare-associated apps are therapeutic. In addition to treatment tools, Medicare offers a separate directory of apps to help you manage your health information. We will discuss these in the next section.
What is the Medicare Connected Apps Directory?
Not all Medicare-approved apps are designed to treat health conditions. Some apps simply help you manage your information and coverage. These types of apps are known as Medicare Connected Apps. They are not considered digital therapeutics.
Medicare maintains a directory of connected apps that aren’t used in digital medical care. These apps can help you access and manage your personal Medicare information.
Medicare Connected Apps include:
What’s Covered, which helps you check whether a service or an item is covered under Medicare
WhatMeds, a mobile wallet for your prescription medications
Blue Button 2.0 apps, which allows you to view and share your Medicare Advantage claims and usage data
Plan Finder tools, which lets you compare Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D prescription plans
Metacare, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help you analyze your medical care
You can manage and authorize these apps by logging on to your Medicare.gov account. These tools are helpful for staying organized and informed. But they are not digital therapeutics, and they are not billed like clinical services.
The bottom line
Medicare covers a limited number of digital health apps that deliver medical treatment. They are known as digital therapeutics or prescription digital therapeutics. Most of these apps focus on mental health or sleep. They are FDA approved and must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. These apps aim to expand access to healthcare through technology.
Medicare coverage for digital health apps may include related services such as setup and management. If you’re interested in using a digital therapeutic app, ask a healthcare professional about making one of these tools part of your care plan.
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References
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Maricich, Y. (2021). reSET and reSET-O as treatments for substance use and opioid use disorders. Pear Therapeutics.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Medicare & you. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Medicare connected apps directory. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Myshko, D. (2022). CMS establishes new code for digital behavioral therapies. Formulary Watch.
Novartis. (2018). Sandoz and Pear Therapeutics announce launch of reSET for treatment of patients with substance use disorder.
Rejoyn. (n.d.). How to get Rejoyn.
Richmond, L. M. (2024). Rejoyn: First app cleared by FDA for depression; cost, efficacy unclear. Psychiatric News.
Stringer, H. (2024). A major step forward in using digital treatments to extend care. American Psychological Association.
Zabinski, D., et al. (2025). Paying for software technologies in Medicare. MedPAC.
