Table of Contents
In Minooka, Illinois, Bill Swick, a 53-year-old man, faces a critical disruption in his care due to a government shutdown that has now lasted for five weeks. Bill suffers from a degenerative brain condition, and he relies on virtual therapy appointments for mobility and speech support.
The shutdown has halted these essential telehealth services, leaving him and his wife, Martha, struggling to adapt.
The facts
The lapse in Medicare telehealth funding has left numerous patients in precarious situations. The government shutdown has interrupted funding for virtual appointments, which are vital for many individuals, particularly those with limited mobility.
Bill’s condition, known as corticobasal degeneration, presents symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, making travel for in-person appointments nearly impossible.
Continuity of care and its importance
Healthcare experts stress that interruptions in therapy can severely impact patients facing cognitive decline or other degenerative conditions.
For patients like Bill, missing even a few therapy sessions can result in significant setbacks. “It feels like you’re taking a step back,” he stated, reflecting the frustration caused by inconsistent care.
Before the pandemic, access to telehealth services under Medicare was limited to specific circumstances, primarily for rural patients or those attending designated sites.
The landscape changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, as telehealth emerged as a critical resource. Under the Trump administration, regulations were relaxed, broadening the scope of virtual consultations.
The broader implications of the government shutdown
The ongoing government shutdown has serious implications for the elderly population dependent on Medicare.
With over four million beneficiaries utilizing telehealth services in the first half of 2025, the sudden funding halt threatens their healthcare access. As Congress struggles to reach a budget agreement, many healthcare providers are uncertain about continuing these vital services without reimbursement guarantees.
Provider responses and shifting landscapes
Healthcare providers are now facing challenging decisions regarding their telehealth offerings. While some clinics have paused these services, others continue with previously scheduled appointments but are not accepting new Medicare patients. Becky Khayum, a therapist in Chicago, noted that her clients, many of whom sought assistance for specific dementias, are now left without essential support.
One of Dr. Faraz Ghoddusi’s patients, who manages chronic conditions like diabetes, required an emergency room visit due to missed regular check-ins during the telehealth freeze. This incident underscores the critical role of virtual appointments in maintaining patient health and preventing medical emergencies.
For Susan Collins, a former caregiver for her late husband, the convenience of telehealth services was invaluable. It alleviated the burden of transporting him to distant clinics, providing a safer alternative for necessary consultations from home.
Looking forward: the need for action
The current environment has created uncertainty for many patients and providers alike. Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have not banned telehealth services during this lapse, the lack of reimbursement guarantees has led many to suspend their offerings. Consequently, patients like Bill are left without necessary care.
The resolution depends on Congress, where divisions continue to impede progress. Mei Kwong, executive director of the Center for Connected Health Policy, noted that a separate vote on telehealth waivers could restore these vital services. However, with lawmakers entrenched in negotiations, the prospect of a swift resolution appears dim.
The lapse in Medicare telehealth funding has left numerous patients in precarious situations. The government shutdown has interrupted funding for virtual appointments, which are vital for many individuals, particularly those with limited mobility. Bill’s condition, known as corticobasal degeneration, presents symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, making travel for in-person appointments nearly impossible.0
