WASHINGTON, DC, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 – ATA Action, the advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association, commented today on the lack of agreement on a short-term Continuing Resolution that jeopardizes the immediate future of telehealth.
“We are asking – urging – Congress to not leave millions of patients and beleaguered healthcare providers dangling on the telehealth cliff while they deliberate over dynamics around a government shutdown,” said Kyle Zebley, executive director, ATA Action and senior vice president, public policy at the ATA. “We appreciate that both the House and Senate have been working hard to advance a short-term funding bill. But with Congress out of session this week and not returning until September 29, that leaves only one day before the telehealth flexibilities expire.”
ATA Action is calling on Congress to include a retroactive statement in legislation, in the likely event of a government shutdown, to ensure retroactive reimbursement of telehealth services during that time period.
“What does this really mean for Americans who are relying on virtual care? Medicare beneficiaries will no longer have telehealth visits reimbursed and critical programs like the Acute Hospital Care at Home program could face major disruption. We will basically revert back to pre-pandemic restrictions, severely limiting access to urgently needed telehealth services,” added Zebley. “Hospitals and clinicians will struggle to sustain telehealth-based care if reimbursement disappears. It’s untenable.
“We should at least give providers some reassurance that they will receive back payment for essential healthcare services delivered during this shutdown,” Zebley added. “And give their patients piece of mind that their access to needed care will not be pulled out from under them.”
ATA Action has created a grassroots advocacy tool so that constituents can quickly and easily reach their Members of Congress directly to voice support for telehealth.
About ATA Action
ATA Action recognizes that telehealth and virtual care have the potential to transform the healthcare delivery system by improving patient outcomes, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of care, addressing health disparities, and reducing costs. ATA Action is a registered 501c6 entity and an affiliated trade organization of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).