Federal Government Shutdown and Issues Impacting Physicians October 1, 2025 Hot Topics, Legislation As of midnight, the federal government has shut down after Congress failed to pass a funding bill or short-term resolution. Medicare and Medicaid payments will continue, but several pandemic-era flexibilities expired on Sept. 30, including most Medicare telehealth services (with limited exceptions for ACOs and mental health/SUD care). Audio-only telehealth and the Acute Hospital Care at Home program have also lapsed. CMS will continue essential operations with reduced staffing, but some activities—such as policy development, surveys, and outreach—are paused. A temporary 10-day hold on some Medicare claims has been implemented but should have minimal impact. Physicians may continue to submit claims, with payments released once the hold is lifted. Other key programs that expired include community health center funding, NHSC, teaching health centers, and special diabetes programs. Congress has generally restored these retroactively, but negotiations remain ongoing. Enhanced ACA premium tax credits—which affect nearly 1 million Californians—are also at risk. For reimbursement assistance, visit CMA’s resource page. Physicians experiencing Medicare payment delays should notify AMA advocacy staff at ama.advocacy@ama-assn.org with the subject line “Medicare Payment Delay.” or contact CMA here. Please see the Telehealth guidance that CMA/AMA issued last week linked here. ACCMA will continue to provide updates as developments unfold.