Millions of seniors lose Medicare telehealth access
Two COVID-era Medicare programs — expanded telehealth benefits and Medicare-covered in-home hospital care — lost funding when appropriations expired on September 30, 2025 amid the federal government shutdown. PBS NewsHour reports the abrupt lapse has cut access for millions of Medicare beneficiaries nationwide; PBS interviewed Kyle Zebley of the American Telemedicine Association about the operational and clinical consequences while noting Congress did not pass funding to extend the programs.
Health
Government/Policy
🔍 Key Facts
- Funding for two Medicare programs (telehealth benefits and in-home hospital care) expired on September 30, 2025.
- PBS reports the lapse affects 'millions' of Americans who had relied on the temporary COVID-era Medicare flexibilities.
- The segment included comments/interview with Kyle Zebley of the American Telemedicine Association and notes Congress failed to pass a budget measure to renew funding.