By Nebraska Hospitals
LINCOLN, Neb. – The federal government shutdown is creating uncertainty for Nebraska patients and hospitals. Important telehealth waivers were not extended past the Sept. 30 deadline, threatening the availability of telehealth services for Nebraska seniors.
“At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress wisely allowed for waivers that expanded Medicare's coverage of telehealth,” said Jeremy Nordquist, President of the Nebraska Hospital Association. “For Nebraskans, particularly our seniors, this innovation has been a game changer, ensuring they can get the help they need without the added burden of travel.”
Now many telehealth visits are not being covered by Medicare, forcing hospitals to reschedule these types of visits for patients. This impacts care for many Nebraskans, but particularly those in rural communities.
“Nebraska hospitals are also counting on funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program, which is now in jeopardy due to a proposal from Democratic leadership,” Nordquist continued. “For the long-term health of our hospitals, it is critical that this historic funding remains in place.”
The Nebraska Hospital Association urges Washington to come together to reopen the federal government and support health care funding.