Federal Government Shutdown: Key Updates for ACR Members

Congress did not pass a new federal spending bill by the 12am ET Oct. 1 deadline, triggering a government shutdown. The situation remains fluid. Federal agencies are affected differently based on their funding sources and available reserves.

What this means

• Essential services (e.g., air traffic control, critical healthcare) will continue.
• Nonessential federal employees are furloughed.
• Congress must pass either appropriations legislation or a Continuing Resolution, which must be signed by the President to end the shutdown.
• ACR® will provide updates as developments occur.

The following agencies have publicly posted shutdown contingency plans, which are summarized below. Each heading is a direct link to that respective plan.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

• Medicare payments will be put on 10-day hold (submit claims as usual); 53% of CMS staff retained.
• Medicaid is funded through Q1 FY 2026.
• CMS rulemaking and policy development may be delayed.
• COVID-era telehealth flexibilities have expired; pre-COVID rules apply.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

• MQSA mammography certification remains operational. FDA will update ACR of any status change.
• Safety-related activities and those funded by carry-over user fees continue.
• New drug/device submissions requiring fees are paused.
• 86% of FDA staff retained.

National Institutes of Health (NIH):

• Grant reviews, new awards and most meetings paused.
• 25.5% of staff retained, primarily those who provide patient care.

Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H):

• Operations continue using carry-over balances from prior appropriations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Public health communications and most activities paused.
• B Reader Certification updates pending; monitor CDC/NIOSH sites.
• 36% of CDC/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry staff retained.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

• Medical care and critical services continue.
• 97% of VA employees funded or exempt from furlough.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC):

• Most activities funded via fees; some functions may be curtailed.
• Medical licensees should monitor NRC communications.

We will continue to monitor developments and share updates as available.