MINOOKA, Ill. — Bill Swick, 53, is grappling with a rare degenerative brain disease that severely affects his speech and physical abilities. For him, the convenience of virtual speech therapy sessions allowed him to receive essential care without the burdensome travel to downtown Chicago. However, for the past month, Swick has been unable to access these appointments due to a prolonged federal government shutdown, which has halted funding for the Medicare telehealth program.
It’s frustrating because we want to continue with his journey, with his progress, said Martha Swick, who has been caring for her husband since his diagnosis three years ago. Their struggle exemplifies a growing issue faced by millions of Medicare beneficiaries relying on telehealth services that were expanded during the pandemic.
Currently, the government shutdown is in its fifth week, leading to the expiration of telehealth waivers that allowed broader access to medical care from home. With Congress deadlocked over funding negotiations, telehealth providers are uncertain whether they can continue offering their services without the risk of not being reimbursed.
Many healthcare providers are forced to decide whether to absorb the financial risk of continuing virtual appointments or to suspend operations altogether. Experts warn that missing therapy can significantly hinder progress, particularly for patients with degenerative conditions, and could lead to increased social withdrawal and mental health challenges.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare only reimbursed telehealth appointments under very limited conditions. The situation changed in 2020, when emergency measures were put in place that enabled broader telehealth access. However, as the recent funding lapsed without an agreement in Congress, many patients find themselves in a state of limbo, awaiting resolution.
The implications of the shutdown have been particularly acute for older adults who may not be able to travel for in-person care. As Swick struggles with mobility and daily tasks, the disruption in therapy has led to feelings of regression in his condition. It feels like you’re taking a step back, he stated, underscoring the dire need for continuity in care.
Amidst the ongoing political standoff, telehealth advocates stress the need for Congress to act swiftly to restore funding for these critical services. With no immediate resolution in sight, families like the Swicks are left to fend for themselves, relying on improvised strategies at home while facing the uncertainty of future care.
