Op-Ed: Don’t Pull the Plug on Telehealth

Old Astoria Neighborhood Association has just published an op-ed urging Congress to restore full Medicare coverage for virtual doctor visits.

As of October 1, 2025, Medicare stopped paying for many telehealth appointments. This change hurts seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone who relies on at-home care. OANA argues that telehealth is not a luxury but a lifeline that keeps vulnerable residents healthy, reduces clinic overcrowding, and protects healthcare access for those who need it most.

Read the full op-ed: “Don’t Pull the Plug on Telehealth.”

This was also published in the Queens Gazette and the National Herald.

UPDATE (November 2025):
Congress has temporarily resumed Medicare and Medicaid coverage for telehealth and video visits through January 30, 2026. While we welcome this positive development, this extension is not a permanent fix. OANA urges continued pressure on lawmakers to ensure telehealth remains fully covered for seniors, people with disabilities, and all those who need it.