AOA offers patient access impact amid government funding concerns

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is disappointed that Congress could not come to an agreement to fund the government, and we are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on patients and physicians across the country, particularly the disruptions this will cause to patient care.

On Oct. 1, 2025, telehealth flexibilities established during the COVID-19 public health emergency, which broadly expanded access to telehealth services for Medicare patients, lapsed. The expiration of these flexibilities means that telehealth services rendered to patients in their homes and outside of rural settings will no longer be paid for by Medicare. Telehealth is a vital tool that supports continuous, longitudinal, high-quality care and enables patients to see their physician when they may otherwise struggle to get to a physician office.

While programs within agencies with mandatory spending will continue to operate during a lapse in government funding, functions and services that are subject to annual appropriations, also known as “discretionary spending,” will cease.

The AOA will continue to advocate in Congress towards a swift resolution to fund the government and to achieve inclusion of critical healthcare extensions in any package, protecting access to healthcare programs.

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