Millions of seniors could lose access to telehealth without deal in Congress

Millions of American seniors could lose access to telehealth appointments with their doctors if Congress fails to fund them amid a looming government shutdown, while thousands more who have been receiving high-level, acute care at home face being sent back to the hospital or discharged. While most Medicare reimbursements to doctors and hospitals will continue in the event the government shuts down on October 1, payments for video health care visits—which gained in popularity during the pandemic and must be separately authorized for an extension by Congress—face elimination. Without getting paid or receiving some assurance they would be compensated retroactively, doctors and hospitals say they will be unable to provide services. Particularly for elderly people with limited mobility or transportation hurdles, telehealth has become a vital service improving their access to care, advocates say.