How a Government Shutdown Could Affect Audiologists, SLPs, and Those You Serve

September 26, 2025

Congress must pass legislation to fund the federal government by October 1, 2025. If it fails, the government will shut down, potentially impacting some programs and services relied upon by audiologists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and the people you serve.

In past shutdowns, most federal agencies worked to minimize disruptions to the programs they administer and the services they provide. However, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed federal agencies [PDF] to use any lapse in appropriations to reduce the federal workforce and halt programs lacking alternative funding sources.

While programs with mandatory funding, such as Medicare and Medicaid, typically continue with limited disruption, there are few details about how this new approach would be implemented.

Here's what you need to know about the potential impact across key federal agencies:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

HHS and its operational agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), oversee Medicare and Medicaid. During a shutdown:

• Medicare telehealth authority would end: Audiologists and SLPs would no longer be recognized as eligible telehealth providers. Other payers, including Medicaid and private insurance, would remain unaffected.
• Claims and payments to providers should continue as normal.
• Essential functions related to public health and safety will remain in place.
• Some services-such as beneficiary casework, outreach and education, and policymaking and rulemaking-could be delayed due to decreased staffing.

If you have questions about claims processing, patient eligibility, provider enrollment, or other reimbursement issues, contact your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) or state Medicaid agency. ASHA also provides resources on Medicare telehealth services, including guidance for private pay arrangements for services not covered by Medicare. You can also support continued access by urging Congress to extend Medicare telehealth authority.

U.S. Department of Education

The Department of Education administers and provides federal funding for various education, student loan, and grant programs. During the shutdown:

• Most K-12 public education funding (e.g., to Title I, IDEA Part B) is "forward funded," meaning that states and local districts should already have access to formula funds in the short term. However, in the event of an extended shutdown, states and districts may have problems accessing some of those funds.
• Higher education programs, including Pell Grants, federal direct student loans, and load repayments, will continue.
• Program and research grants should see little or no disruptions during a short-term shutdown.
• However, schools on federal lands (Department of Defense schools and those on federal Native American reservations) could face immediate disruptions.

U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

OMB manages the federal budget and oversees federal policy implementation and agency performance. Recently, it issued a memorandum [PDF] to agencies on shutdown planning:

• The memo instructs agencies to prepare reductions-in-force (layoffs of federal workers) for programs, projects, or activities that meet certain criteria or circumstances.
• The memo also asserts that the Administration is not required to carry out programs whose funding expires on October 1 if they do not have other sources of federal mandated by law.
• It is unclear whether and/or how this directive could impact programs HHS and ED administers in the event of a shutdown as neither agency has detailed their respective plans.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

• OPM manages human resources policies for the federal government. In the event of a shutdown:
• Federal employees and contractors may be subject to furlough.
• It is unclear whether OPM will provide uniform guidance across agencies and/or consistent application of procedures nationwide.

ASHA members who are federal employees or contractors should consult OPM's shutdown furlough information page for more information.

What's Next?

House and Senate leaders are still negotiating how to fund the government. Any legislation to provide short- or long-term funding must be passed in both chambers and then signed by the president before the October 1 deadline to prevent disruption.

ASHA Advocacy is closely monitoring developments and will provide updates as they occur.

Questions?

ASHA encourages you to contact the relevant federal or state agency for inquiries about your specific situation.

For questions about the congressional budget process and updates on legislative efforts to avoid a federal government shutdown, contact the federal and political affairs team at [email protected].

For questions about the potential impact on Medicare, Medicaid, and education programs, contact the health care and education policy team at [email protected].