Article Published: 11/20/2025
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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Department of Veterans Affairs
Provider Enrollment and Status
Claims and Billing During Shutdown
Telehealth Guidance
Medicare Beneficiary Information
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Services Continuing During Shutdown:
Services Suspended:
Veterans Crisis Line
Current Legislation
Congressional Budget Office
Government Accountability Office
National Professional Organizations
Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition
Federal Workers and Contractors
Financial and Billing AssistanceElectronic Health Records (EHR) with Medicare Billing
Billing Services and Clearinghouses
Financial Resources for Providers
Health Insurance Marketplace
State Marketplaces
State Licensing Boards
Ethics Resources
Legal Aid
Shutdown Coverage and Analysis
For Counselors Experiencing Stress
For Clients in Crisis
Follow for Updates
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:
Stay Informed
Set Up Alerts:
Check Daily:
Questions or need assistance? Contact NBCC or your professional association for support.
The information provided by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC) on the nbcc.org website (site) is for general information purposes only. NBCC makes significant efforts to maintain current and accurate information on this site. We are not responsible for any information concerning NBCC or our programs, services, or activities that is published or displayed on any third-party website(s). These websites are maintained by third parties over which we exercise no control, and for which we have no responsibility. Individuals should verify any information obtained from third-party sources by referring to our official site or contacting our customer service team directly.
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