Medicare Telehealth Authority at Risk as Government Funding Deadline Approaches

January 27, 2026

The Top Line

A looming political stalemate in the Senate puts essential Medicare policies-including telehealth authority for audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs)-at risk. If Congress fails to advance funding legislation, the federal government will shut down at midnight on January 30 until Congress reaches an agreement. This will disrupt nonessential functions across some federal agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, and cause a lapse in Medicare Part B telehealth authority for audiologists and SLPs, which Congress previously extended through the duration of the current government funding legislation.

Why This Matters

Audiologists and SLPs are temporarily authorized to provide telehealth services to Medicare Part B beneficiaries under a short-term extension enacted through H.R. 5371 in November 2025. That authority will expire on January 30 unless Congress acts again.

Though the House passed legislation that includes a two-year extension, if the Senate fails to act on this legislation by midnight on January 30, providers would need to enter into cash pay agreements to continue telehealth services or stop providing telehealth services and begin seeing patients in person only.

What Happens if the Government Shuts Down?

If the government partially or fully shuts down, it is unlikely to impact Medicare beyond telehealth authority, Medicaid, and Social Security payments, as previous shutdowns have not affected those. However, ASHA Advocacy would closely monitor any shutdown to determine its impact on members and will continue to provide updates no matter what Congress decides to do.

During any potential shutdown and after it is resolved, ASHA will monitor and post claims submission guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in this article.

What Is ASHA Doing to Address These Issues?

ASHA Advocacy has convinced Congress to include audiologists and SLPs in past telehealth extensions and persuaded federal regulators to cover a broad range of audiology and speech-language pathology services provided through telehealth since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue fighting for better coverage of and payment for your services until audiologists and SLPs are permanent Medicare telehealth providers and are properly reimbursed for their services.

What Can ASHA Advocates Do?

You can send a message to your members of Congress asking for their help extending telehealth coverage and encourage your colleagues and community to do the same. As their constituent, you and your voice matter the most.

Learn more about Medicare telehealth billing.

Questions?

For questions about Medicare policy and payment, contact ASHA's health care and education policy team at [email protected]. For questions about the federal legislative process and how you can take action, contact the federal and political affairs team at [email protected].