ASE Update on Federal Shutdown

Updated October 1, 2025

The American Society of Echocardiography is closely monitoring the federal shutdown that began today. While essential healthcare functions continue, many federal activities are operating with reduced staffing. The good news: CMS will continue making payments for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), maintaining Federal Marketplace eligibility operations, and continuing programs like the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control program and the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation. CMS also has sufficient funding to support Medicaid through the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. However, you can expect slowdowns or suspensions in areas like facility surveys and certifications, policy development, rulemaking, contract oversight, outreach and education, and beneficiary casework. About half of CMS staff (47%) are furloughed, while 53% remain on duty to handle essential operations.

What this means for ASE members

• Medicare operations
  • Claims holds: When payment “extenders” lapse, CMS directs MACs to temporarily hold certain claims (up to ~10 business days). You may continue to submit; the 14-day payment floor should limit impact. Core FFS processing continues.
  • Telehealth (absent Congressional action on/after Oct 1, 2025): Pre-PHE limits resume for non-behavioral/mental health services (most home and non-rural originating sites not payable; hospice recertifications require face-to-face). Audio-only services have also lapsed for Medicare patients except those being treated for mental health or substance use disorders. Some practitioner types may not be payable. Consider ABNs and, where appropriate, holding non-payable telehealth claims pending Congressional action.
• Research & trials: Federally supported activities may be delayed or limited—coordinate with your institution’s research office.
• Patient communication: Reassure patients that clinical care continues; any scheduling or administrative delays are unrelated to individual coverage or clinical need.

Looking ahead

Historically, Congress has generally restored lapsed policies retroactively to the effective date of the shutdown.

Congressional Action on Telemedicine

ASE believes these critical patient-services should not be vulnerable to disruptions from government shutdowns. The Society continues to advocate for permanent legislation to protect telehealth access. ASE supports the CONNECT Act (Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies) (S.1261/ H.R.4206) , which would permanently extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities, allowing patients to receive care from their homes regardless of location, and preserving audio-only services that many rely on for accessible healthcare. The CONNECT Act would eliminate geographic restrictions, expand the types of providers who can deliver telehealth services, and ensure patients can continue receiving high-quality cardiovascular care without unnecessary barriers.

Take action: We encourage ASE members to contact their members of Congress to urge support for the CONNECT Act and other permanent telehealth legislation. Your voice matters in protecting patient access to telemedicine. Visit ASE’s advocacy resources or contact your representatives directly to share how telehealth flexibilities have improved care for your patients.

ASE will continue to monitor developments and share updates on this page.

Additional Information and Resources:

• CMS operations: HHS CMS Contingency
• Congress.gov: Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources
• Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: Government Shutdowns Q&A: Everything You Should Know
• Bipartisan Policy Center: What Happens if the Government Shuts Down?