Per a Medicare Learning Network (MLN) newsletter sent on October 1, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) clarified the impact of the legislative shutdown on Medicare payment processing.

In the newsletter, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) were directed to put a temporary hold on claims. This pause may prevent both the MACs and providers from incurring additional burden and cost associated with a need to reprocess claims denied due to the expiration of the telehealth and hospital at home waivers and similar items in the event that those services are ultimately extended by Congress as part of a continuing budget resolution or other action.

The hold is only expected to last 10 business days, or until October 14, 2025. There is a statutory minimum payment floor of 14 days – meaning MACs hold electronic claims for 14 days before releasing payment regardless of the situation.