Shutdown halts Medicare telehealth waivers
The federal shutdown prevented Congress from extending pandemic-era Medicare telehealth flexibilities before their Sept. 30 expiration, temporarily halting reimbursement for many home-based virtual visits. Providers are canceling or weighing unreimbursed appointments, and millions of Medicare fee-for-service patients nationwide — including Twin Cities seniors who cannot easily travel — are losing access to remote care while the shutdown continues.
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📌 Key Facts
- Medicare’s expanded telehealth coverage began in 2020; Congress’ extension lapsed Sept. 30 amid funding talks, and the Oct. 1 shutdown blocked a renewal vote.
- Brown University data show more than 4 million Medicare fee‑for‑service beneficiaries used telehealth in the first half of 2025.
- Providers must decide whether to continue virtual visits without guaranteed reimbursement, disrupting continuity of care for older adults and patients with degenerative conditions.
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October 30, 2025