Congress is advancing a continuing resolution that could end the longest government shutdown on record, which started on Oct. 1, 2025, in turn easing burdens that post-acute providers have faced over the past month. 
 
Chief among the challenges for home health providers has been the delay in rulemaking for 2026 payment and regulatory updates. The shutdown has also delayed a refresh in public reporting on Care Compare, as well as federal survey activity. 
 
The resolution approved by the Senate late Monday would provide funding for government programs until Jan. 30, 2026. It would also target in-home care concerns like the extension of Medicare’s telehealth flexibilities. Providers have been unable to use telehealth visits conducted since Oct. 1 as the face-to-face encounter required to certify patients for home health.
 
According to the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association, the Senate deal would return telehealth coverage and policies to where they were before Oct. 1.
 
More guidance is expected from CMS once a funding deal is signed by the president, but Medicare contractors have stressed in past guidance that telehealth face-to-face encounters must include references to two-way audio and visual communication. Since the shutdown, hospice providers have also been unable to use telehealth for face-to-face encounters required in the recertification process.
 
According to an alert by LeadingAge on Nov. 10, 2025, the proposal would also fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through next year.  
 
Now that the deal has passed the Senate, it will return to the House for a vote as early as Wednesday. Then, if the House vote succeeds, it will be sent to President Trump’s desk for his signature.