Story perspectives
U.S. Shutdown Cuts Telehealth for Medicare Patients
10/8/2025
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Story summary
- The U.S. government shutdown halts telehealth for some Medicare patients due to expired pandemic-era waivers, effective October 1, 2025.
- Hospitals such as NYU Langone Health and St. Elizabeth Regional Diabetes Center canceled virtual appointments.
- Experts say Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare open enrollment should not be delayed.
- Advocacy groups urge restoring telehealth flexibilities to preserve care continuity.
