On April 1st, the Trump administration will implement a nearly billion-dollar cut in Medicare telehealth. Concerns grow as Americans who use telehealth services face limited options for remote medical care.
Adults over 65, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas will be most affected as the primary users of telehealth resources. Telehealth services involve healthcare provided by a patient’s primary doctor or other healthcare providers located across the U.S., using video and audio communication technology. According to the American Medical Association, nearly 4.2 million Medicare patients accessed care through telehealth in the first quarter of 2022.
Patients using telehealth find it helpful as they face significant challenges accessing medical offices and facilities. These barriers can include transportation difficulties, limited healthcare options, and physical mobility issues, which make in-person visits to healthcare providers more difficult.
The cut is included in the $880 billion Medicaid budget plan ordered by the legislative House Budget Committee, a federal organization responsible for annual budget resolutions and reviewing any budget requests proposed by the president.
The Trump administration caused confusion as the White House-elect stated on Fox News that Medicaid and Medicare would not be “touched,” despite releasing a budget cut affecting low-income individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities a day later.
Trump describes most federal Medicaid spending as a “waste,” and plans on a shift in coverage toward employer-based insurance and private purchasing options.
While some Medicare telehealth services will still be available after April 1st, including services related to strokes and mental/behavioral health, the cuts are expected to limit broader access for millions of people in America.
