On October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown due to a lapse in funding. While some federal services are paused, key health programs remain active.
Programs That Continue Operating
- Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP – Coverage and payments continue
- Social Security benefits – Payments still being processed
- Veterans’ health services – VA hospitals, clinics, and counseling centers remain open
- TRICARE medical and dental care – Urgent/necessary care continues (elective procedures may be delayed)
- Federal health insurance exchanges – Marketplace services are active
- U.S. Postal Service – Mail and prescription deliveries continue without interruption
- Air travel safety services – Remain operational
Medicare Claims Processing
– CMS may place a temporary hold (up to 10 business days) on Medicare claims.
– Providers should continue submitting claims during this period.
– The impact is expected to be minimal due to existing payment schedules.
Telehealth Services
– Some COVID-era Medicare telehealth flexibilities have expired as of October 1, 2025.
– Providers offering non-covered services should issue an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) to patients.
– Consider holding claims that are not payable by Medicare.
– Monitor CMS updates for the latest guidance.
What’s Next
Federal employees and impacted programs will return to normal operations once funding legislation is passed and signed into law.
https://www.hhs.gov/about/budget/fy-2026-hhs-contingency-staffing-plan/index.htmlhttps://department.va.gov/contingency-planning/
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/statements/092525-postal-service-not-affected-by-a-government-shutdown.htm
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/2025_0929_dhs_procedures_related_to_a_lapse_in_appropriations.pdf
⚓ Guidance you can trust from AskMueller Consulting, LLC
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