November 17, 2025
After a record-breaking 40-day shutdown, the federal government officially reopened on November 12, 2025, following congressional passage of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. President Trump signed the measure shortly after it was approved by the House, ending the longest lapse in appropriations in U.S. history and restoring operations across federal agencies.
While the legislation resolves the immediate crisis, it provides full-year funding for only a handful of departments. All other agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, will operate under a short-term continuing resolution that expires January 30, 2026.
The bill contains several provisions of particular importance to post-acute and long-term care clinicians. It extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 30, 2026, ensuring continued access for patients and providers. It also waives statutory PAYGO requirements triggered by the passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, in July 2025. Without this fix, automatic sequestration cuts, estimated at $530 billion for Medicare alone, would have taken effect. Section 8001 of H.R. 5371 eliminates that threat. In addition, the legislation secures funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through September 30, 2026, preserving a critical resource for low-income older adults.
With the government reopened and lawmakers back in session, attention now turns to unfinished business. Congress must complete the remaining fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills and address the growing call to extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities permanently.