67 million Americans face healthcare disaster if Congress cuts telehealth benefits

Millions of Medicare recipients could face upheaval as Congress debates whether to extend telehealth benefits. If lawmakers fail to act before the end of 2024, over 67 million elderly and disabled Americans could lose critical access to telehealth services. These benefits, which were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed beneficiaries to consult doctors from the comfort of their homes, but are set to expire on December 31.

Telehealth’s role in Medicare is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With the growth in acceptance of virtual care, particularly for rural and mobility-challenged seniors, the end of these flexibilities could create severe disruptions. Elderly patients rely on telehealth to manage chronic conditions, access mental health services, and prevent unnecessary hospital visits. Should Congress fail to extend the provisions, many recipients will be forced back to in-person visits, straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system.

The legislative push to extend these benefits is still in limbo. The House Ways & Means Committee and the House Energy & Commerce Committee have both put forth proposals for a two-year extension, but time is running short. Experts, including Kyle Zebley from the American Telemedicine Association, have voiced concerns that without swift action, access to vital healthcare for millions of seniors will be jeopardized. Lawmakers are being urged to prioritise passing a bill before the December deadline to avoid widespread chaos in healthcare delivery.

Medicare telehealth in limbo as deadlines approach

If Congress allows the telehealth flexibilities to expire, the consequences could be far-reaching. Patients in remote areas or with mobility issues will no longer have the convenience of video or phone consultations, which have become essential, particularly for non-emergency conditions such as cold and flu consultations, mental health check-ins, and dermatological assessments. These services, particularly popular among seniors, have become a critical part of managing healthcare.

Healthcare providers are also at risk. Telehealth companies that serve primarily Medicare beneficiaries may be forced to downsize or shut down completely. Small, innovative startups that rely on billing Medicare for telehealth services could find themselves unable to survive. As one expert pointed out, without the ability to bill for telehealth, these companies effectively “cease to exist,” leading to a loss of jobs and services.

Experts warn of healthcare disruption

Healthcare advocates are sounding the alarm. Rachel Stauffer, a consultant, stressed that Congress cannot afford to let these benefits expire. If they do, millions of seniors will lose access to convenient healthcare, resulting in delayed treatments and worsening health outcomes. With the country’s ageing population growing, maintaining access to telehealth is crucial.

Many patients have grown accustomed to virtual care, even preferring it in some instances. Although some seniors still prefer in-person consultations, research shows that many are comfortable with telehealth, including audio-only consultations, which are particularly valuable for elderly patients with limited technological literacy.

Healthcare providers agree that losing telehealth would be a massive setback for the industry. It’s not just patients who would suffer, but providers, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, would struggle to meet the needs of their communities. The Federation of American Hospitals has been vocal about the importance of these flexibilities for rural hospitals, where telehealth has become a critical tool in keeping healthcare accessible.

The future of telehealth: will Congress act?

With the deadline looming, experts like Zebley remain cautiously optimistic that Congress will act, but the timing remains uncertain. There is concern that the telehealth extensions could become caught up in the political gridlock that often accompanies election years. While some lawmakers have voiced their support for a more permanent solution, the likelihood is that a temporary extension will be passed before the end of the year. Without decisive action, millions of Medicare recipients could be left without access to the care they depend on.

Expert insight: protecting healthcare access

Telehealth has proven to be a vital lifeline for Medicare recipients. As Zebley explained, these services have revolutionised how seniors receive care, and eliminating them would be a massive step backwards. Furthermore, the expiration of telehealth benefits would place an undue burden on patients and providers alike, especially in remote or underserved areas.

With Congress nearing its deadline, healthcare experts and industry leaders are urging lawmakers to act quickly. Extending telehealth benefits will not only preserve access to care but will also prevent unnecessary hospitalisations, improve healthcare outcomes, and protect vulnerable populations.

The clock is ticking for Congress to extend Medicare’s telehealth benefits. With 67 million recipients relying on these services, any delay could trigger widespread disruption across the healthcare system. Lawmakers must prioritise passing an extension to protect millions of seniors from losing access to the care they need. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.