Medicare patients go without needed treatment as government shutdown disrupts telehealth
Summary
The U.S. government shutdown has stopped funding for the Medicare telehealth program, affecting patients who rely on virtual medical appointments. Many Medicare patients, especially older adults, are unable to access these services, impacting their healthcare.Key Facts
- The U.S. government shutdown has lasted five weeks and halted funding for Medicare telehealth.
- Medicare telehealth allows patients to have virtual medical appointments from home.
- Bill Swick, a patient with a rare brain disease, relies on telehealth for speech therapy.
- Telehealth funding for Medicare stopped because Congress couldn't agree on a budget.
- The lack of funding affects millions of Medicare patients who used telehealth.
- The stoppage can prevent patients from maintaining continuous care for severe conditions.
- Telehealth expansion during Trump's first term allowed more flexibility in accessing care.
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