The federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1 and ended Nov. 13, 2025, created uncertainty for counselors. With federal agencies operating with reduced staff, federal contracts and grants frozen, and Medicare telehealth flexibilities expired and claims processing on hold, counselors faced difficult decisions about continuing services while managing financial risk. As the government reopens, counselors may need additional information or resources to navigate the transition. Additionally, the continuing resolution funds the government through Jan. 2026, and another shutdown is possible.
This comprehensive resource guide consolidates essential links, contact information, and guidance to help you navigate some of the shutdown’s immediate impacts on your practice. Whether you need to check your Medicare enrollment status, understand which federal services continue operating, access telehealth policy updates, or find crisis support for clients, this guide provides direct access to critical resources. The information here will help you make informed decisions that balance your professional obligations with your practice’s sustainability during challenging transition periods.
This resource list will be updated as the situation evolves and new guidance becomes available. Bookmark this page and check back regularly.
Last updated 11/19/2025.
Federal Program and Policy Transition Resources
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- CMS Provider Resources Homepage
- Medicare Provider Enrollment (PECOS)
- Medicare Learning Network (MLN)
- CMS Telehealth Resources
- Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) Directory
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- HHS Contingency Staffing Plans (All Agencies)
- SAMHSA Contingency Plan
- CMS Contingency Plan
- HRSA Contingency Plan
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- OMB Shutdown Guidance
- OMB Contingency Plans Archive: Check individual agency websites as OMB centralized plans may not be current
Department of Veterans Affairs
Medicare Resources
Provider Enrollment and Status
- Check Medicare Enrollment Status: Log into PECOS at https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov
- CMS Provider Enrollment Hotline: 1-855-267-1515
- PECOS Help Desk: 1-866-288-8912
Claims and Billing During Shutdown
- Medicare Fee Schedule Lookup
- Claims Status Tools: Contact your specific MAC at https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/medicare-administrative-contractors-macs/who-are-macs
- Medicare Provider Portal: Access through your MAC’s website
Telehealth Guidance
- CMS Telehealth FAQ (Updated for 2025)
- HHS Telehealth Policy Updates
- Proposed 2026 Physician Fee Schedule
Medicare Beneficiary Information
Federal Agency Critical Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Services Continuing During Shutdown:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | https://988lifeline.org
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) |
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 | Text "TalkWithUs" to 66746
- Treatment Services Locator
- Behavioral Health Treatment Locator
Services Suspended:
- New grant awards
- Technical assistance for grantees
- Non-emergency program support
Veterans Crisis Line
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1 | Text 838255 |
- Available 24/7 during shutdown
Congressional and Legislative Resources
Current Legislation
- Congress.gov (track bills)
- Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025
- Continuing Resolution Information
Congressional Budget Office
Government Accountability Office
Advocacy and Professional Organizations
National Professional Organizations
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
- Association of Counseling Education and Supervision
- American Counseling Association
Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition
- Coalition Website (provider resources, policy updates, advocacy tools)
Federal Workers and Contractors
- https://www.nelp.org/unemployment-insurance-and-the-government-shutdown-what-federal-workers-and-contractors-need-to-know/
- https://aflcio.org/about-us/programs/shutdown-resources-25
Financial and Billing Assistance
Electronic Health Records (EHR) with Medicare Billing
Billing Services and Clearinghouses
Financial Resources for Providers
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Professional liability insurance carriers: Contact your carrier for payment flexibility options
ACA Marketplace and Subsidies
Health Insurance Marketplace
State Marketplaces
Legal and Ethics Guidance
State Licensing Boards
Ethics Resources
Legal Aid
- Legal Services Corporation—Find Legal Aid
- Medicare Rights Center | Helpline: 1-800-333-4114
News and Analysis
Shutdown Coverage and Analysis
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
- Congressional Research Service Reports
- Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
Crisis and Mental Health Support
For Counselors Experiencing Stress
- Physician Support Line (for all health care providers): 1-888-409-0141
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
For Clients in Crisis
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
- Feeding America
Social Media and Real-Time Updates
Follow for Updates
- CMS on X (Twitter): @CMSGov
- HHS on X: @HHSGov
- Medicare on X: @MedicareGov
- SAMHSA on X: @samhsagov
Quick Reference: Who to Call
|
Issue |
Contact |
Phone/Website |
|
Medicare enrollment status |
CMS Provider Enrollment |
1-855-267-1515 |
|
PECOS technical issues |
PECOS Help Desk |
1-866-288-8812 |
|
Medicare claims questions |
Your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) |
Find at CMS website |
|
Telehealth policy questions |
CMS |
Check MLN or call MAC |
|
Client in crisis |
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline |
988 or 988lifeline.org |
|
SAMHSA resources |
SAMHSA National Helpline |
1-800-662-4357 |
|
Veterans crisis support |
Veterans Crisis Line |
988, press 1 |
|
Medicare beneficiary questions |
Medicare helpline |
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) |
|
ACA Marketplace questions |
HealthCare.gov |
1-800-318-2596 |
|
Legal aid for clients |
Legal Services Corporation |
lsc.gov/find-legal-aid |
Document everything during the shutdown, maintain detailed records of:
- service dates and claim submissions.
- communications with MACs or CMS.
- client notifications about potential coverage gaps.
- advance Beneficiary Notices (ABNs) provided.
- financial arrangements with clients.
- attempts to verify eligibility or authorization.
Stay Informed
Set Up Alerts:
- Monitor NBCC alerts
- Subscribe to CMS MLN Connects newsletter
- Follow your MAC's provider updates
- Join professional organization email lists
Check Daily:
- Congressional news for continuing resolution votes
- CMS website for policy guidance
- Your MAC portal for claims processing updates
Questions or need assistance? Contact NBCC or your professional association for support.
