SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — With the government being shut down, medical institutions in the area are also feeling the effects, having to adjust their normal operations.

Hospice Savannah Executive Director Kathleen Benton said telehealth services have contributed to increased access to medicine and care, but those services are now at risk, threatening the care Benton said they can provide.

Medical facilities are no longer being paid if they choose to continue using telehealth services such as video and phone calls.

The telemedicine waiver was up at the end of September, and legislation has not been passed to continue the waiver or make it a permanent bill due to the shutdown.

"As a result of the shutdown, there's no telemedicine," said Benton.

Benton said, "I think a lot of people don't kn

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