Medicare Telehealth Coverage Ends in Shutdown

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Kerry Nenn

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Medicare telehealth coverage was suspended in the wake of the government shutdown, reports say. And clinicians and patients alike are scrambling to find affordable and accessible alternatives for medical and mental health care.

Telehealth Was a Lifeline for Many

Since 2020, telehealth flexibilities have been in place to increase access to healthcare. Policies shaped by urgent needs during the pandemic have remained in place to ensure patients continue to receive the care they need.

Now, for many Americans, telehealth appointments have become commonplace and those seeking mental health and addiction recovery services are no exception. And for many, they are the only feasible means of receiving potentially life-saving treatment. But these patients may be forced to find alternatives.

Due to the federal shutdown, healthcare providers across the U.S. are informing Medicare and Medicaid patients that their telehealth options will not be covered. They can no longer schedule telehealth visits.

Expired Waivers Affect Millions of Patients

As of October 1, 2025, waivers established in the pandemic era expired. These waivers allowed patients to get care such as wellness visits, prescription refills, and mental health counseling through virtual appointments in their homes.

With the federal government shut down, the waivers are not being renewed, and no new policies are being established to replace these services. As a result, patients are receiving notices that they cannot schedule telehealth/video appointments. They must contact their provider to schedule an in-person visit.

For some, this may cause a slight inconvenience. For others, the change could have a significant impact. Patients who have a physical disability, transportation limitations, or other health issues that make it difficult or impossible to attend in-person visits may be scrambling to get the care they need. Others may be capable of attending in-person visits, but the care they need isn’t available nearby.

The Cost Barrier to Care

In some situations, one option may be for individuals to keep their virtual appointments but the services won’t be covered by Medicaid or Medicare. This means they can receive virtual care, but it will cost them. And it’s likely a cost they can’t afford.

Some providers are continuing to offer telehealth options in hopes that policies will be restored and reimbursement will be retroactive. But this is a risk not everyone is willing or able to take.

Advocating for patients, ATA Action (part of the American Telemedicine Association) has urged Congress to reinstate the flexibilities. However, with the government shut down, any action steps are currently on hold.

If you’re affected by this change, free and low cost rehab programs are still available nationwide through nonprofit and state funded organizations.

Low Cost Alternatives for Addiction Treatment

If you’ve lost access to Medicare or Medicaid covered telehealth services, consider looking into some of these affordable options:

State funded rehab facilities that accept Medicaid, Medicare or sliding scale fees
Nonprofit and faith based programs may offer free or donation based treatment
Community health centers offer in person and hybrid addiction recovery programs
SAMHSA resources like the treatment locator to find federally funded rehab centers

Find Help Today

You don’t have to go without care during the shutdown. Explore low and no cost addiction treatment programs in your area and find free local resources for mental health and recovery.

You can also call 800-914-7089 (Sponsored) for personalized support and help finding Medicare or Medicaid approved treatment near you.