Telehealth Services Halt for Medicare Patients Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Thu Oct 30 2025 19:06:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Patients like Bill Swick face challenges as telehealth appointments come to a halt due to the federal government shutdown, affecting their access to vital care.

As the federal government shutdown continues, patients relying on Medicare telehealth services are deprived of essential appointments. This has left individuals like Bill Swick, who suffers from a degenerative brain disease, struggling with outdated coping methods. The lapse in funding for telehealth has created hurdles for many, preventing access to critical medical support and threatening the overall well-being of vulnerable populations.

MINOOKA, Ill. (AP) — Bill Swick has a rare degenerative brain disease that inhibits his mobility and speech. Instead of the hassle of traveling an hour to a clinic in downtown Chicago to visit a speech therapist, he has benefited from virtual appointments from the comfort of his home.

However, Swick, 53, hasn't had access to those appointments for the last month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This situation has halted funding for the Medicare telehealth program that pays his provider for her services. Swick, along with his wife Martha, finds themselves reverting to older strategies as they cope with his growing difficulties in language processing and communication.

“It’s frustrating because we want to continue with his journey, with his progress,” Martha Swick expressed during an interview at their home. With the lapse in funding, they face delays in therapy that are critical to managing his condition.

The ramifications of the government's shutdown have become increasingly common for millions relying on Medicare fee-for-service plans, which allow telehealth visits that were made possible during the pandemic.

As Congress remains divided, the telehealth waivers that have benefited so many patients have lapsed, leaving them stranded without necessary medical support. This has created a significant challenge for healthcare providers, who must now decide whether they can continue offering services without the security of reimbursement.

Swick's condition demands continuity of care, as missing even a few appointments can impede progress for those with degenerative conditions. Before the pandemic, telehealth was restricted to certain conditions. The situation changed during COVID-19, with remote visits becoming essential for many.

The ongoing shutdown, however, casts doubt on the future of these services for Medicare beneficiaries, indicating a critical need for congressional action to reinstate funding and support for telehealth initiatives.

As the Swicks practice their exercises at home, hope lingers for a resolution that would restore access to vital healthcare services.