TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Frustration is growing across the Tampa Bay area as Medicare telehealth flexibilities expired during the federal government shutdown, leaving patients and providers in limbo.

The uncertainty comes as Congress remains deadlocked, leaving Medicare patients and providers waiting for a fix.

Mark Thorton, a Medicare recipient, says the gridlock in Washington is appauling," Thorton said. "They have to work together. The Democrats go to one side, the Republicans go to one side and this is what’s happening.”

The shutdown means provisions under Section 2207 of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act are no longer in effect as they were set to expire Sept. 30.

The act was passed during the pandemic and removed geographic restrictions for telehealth, allowed

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