Story perspectives

Federal Shutdown Disrupts Telehealth for 7 Million Medicare Patients

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The federal government shutdown has disrupted telehealth services for Medicare patients.
Vicki Stearn, a Medicare beneficiary, faced paying out of pocket for virtual visits or waiting for in-person appointments.
Nearly 7 million Medicare patients rely on telehealth annually, but the expiration of pandemic-era waivers halted reimbursements.
Medi-Cal patients in California remain unaffected, but over 450 healthcare groups are urging Congress to establish permanent telehealth policies to prevent further disruptions.

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Story summary

The federal government shutdown has disrupted telehealth services for Medicare patients.
Vicki Stearn, a Medicare beneficiary, faced paying out of pocket for virtual visits or waiting for in-person appointments.
Nearly 7 million Medicare patients rely on telehealth annually, but the expiration of pandemic-era waivers halted reimbursements.
Medi-Cal patients in California remain unaffected, but over 450 healthcare groups are urging Congress to establish permanent telehealth policies to prevent further disruptions.