As the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, millions of Americans are feeling its ripple effects, especially when it comes to healthcare access. In this special edition of Access Amplified, Joanna Braunold sits down with Alexis Apple, Director of Federal Affairs at the American Telemedicine Association, to unpack what’s happening behind the scenes. From Medicare telehealth flexibilities lapsing to hospitals pausing virtual visits, Alexis offers an insider’s view of how the shutdown is reshaping care delivery, and what advocacy efforts are underway to protect access for patients across the country.

Meet Alexis Apple

Alexis Apple is the Director of Federal Affairs at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), and Senior Manager, Federal Government Relations at ATA Action, the ATA’s affiliated trade association focused on advocacy, working with and on behalf of ATA and ATA Action members and like-minded organizations to eliminate barriers to the expansion of telehealth and ensure patients, providers, and payers can realize the benefits of virtual care. Alexis has been with the ATA and ATA Action for over four years now in various policy roles. Prior to the ATA, Alexis worked for a small lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., to advance education and international relation policies and legislation.