Government Shutdown Suspends Telemedicine, Home Health Services, and Reimbursements
Although Medicare and Medicaid will continue to operate during the current government shutdown, the health sector may experience another sense of uncertainty as some programs will not be renewed at this time. Here's what's going on.
Telemedicine coverage returns to pre-pandemic rules
The closure reverts telehealth coverage for Medicare beneficiaries to pre-pandemic rules and limits access to telehealth for rural patients. Audio-only visits are no longer refundable. Medicare patients who rely on telemedicine, mental health services, post-hospital follow-up, and chronic pain management may be affected by this coverage change.
Coverage for home health services will be suspended
Acute care hospital at home programs allow hospitals to provide hospital-level care to eligible patients in the comfort of their own homes. But after the shutdown, funding for home health services was suspended. Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries receiving such care may be discharged or transferred to traditional hospital settings, potentially increasing the burden on inpatient facilities.
What does that mean?
Health care providers face important decisions that require them to choose between discontinuing these services or continuing to provide care at the risk of non-reimbursement unless Congress approves retroactive reimbursement if the program is ultimately extended. These providers must also notify patients that they may incur additional costs absent funding from federal programs.
Learn more about what's happening in the healthcare industry in our Industry Outlook.
