Overview

• Unsolicited messages told recipients their Medicaid or Medicare had been cut off because of the federal government shutdown.
• The texts included links requesting personal information, leading some patients to cancel or skip scheduled care.
• EPIC Health in Metro Detroit reports a surge in no-shows since Oct. 1 and estimates more than 200 missed appointments this week.
• Attorney General Dana Nessel advises people to block and report the texts, avoid clicking links or opening attachments, and delete them.
• Clinicians are contacting patients to reassure them about coverage, warning that delayed routine care could worsen chronic conditions and increase emergency room use.