Federal Government Reopens, Stability for Healthcare Practices Resumes

The restoration of federal funding will keep the government operational through January 30, 2026, while also reinstating and extending a range of healthcare policies that lapsed during the September shutdown.

Key impacts for practices

For practice administrators and physician owners, several takeaways are worth noting:

• Reimbursement holds lifted: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) temporarily paused some Medicare claims during the shutdown. With funding restored, most holds have been lifted, but telehealth and hospital-at-home reimbursements could still face scrutiny as regulators catch up.
• Critical Medicare telehealth flexibilities have been extended, such as the removal of geographic and originating site restrictions, the expanded list of practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services, and more, through January 30, 2026.
• Operational uncertainty continues: The shutdown delayed federal rule-making and budget approvals tied to Medicare payment adjustments. Even with the government reopened, the ripple effects could last into mid-2026, particularly for practices dependent on CMS updates and state Medicaid contracts.

What practices should do now

Independent practices can take several proactive steps to manage the fallout:

• Reassess telehealth compliance. Review services billed after September 30 to ensure they meet current requirements, and use Advance Beneficiary Notices (ABNs) when applicable.
• Monitor reimbursement trends. Track any delays or discrepancies in Medicare Part B and telehealth payments.
• Communicate with staff and patients. Explain any ongoing administrative delays and emphasize continuity of care.
• Engage advocacy partners. Stay connected with professional organizations like MGMA, the American Medical Association and specialty societies for updates on pending legislation.

Contact Yeo & Yeo Medical Billing & Consulting for assistance.