On September 16, the House Appropriations Committee released the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, a continuing resolution (CR) that would keep the federal government funded through November 21, 2025. A vote is expected soon and is likely to be close, with Democrats signaling strong opposition and planning to propose their own version.
For aging services providers, the CR carries several important provisions. It would extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities through November 21, including the ability for hospices to perform face-to-face recertifications virtually and for providers to deliver services in patients’ homes. Without an extension, these flexibilities will expire September 30.
The CR also continues funding for hospice survey and certification, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), and the consensus-based entity that supports quality measure development. In addition, it includes a housing provision supported by LeadingAge to preserve up to 40,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, nearly half of which serve older adult households.
For veterans, the bill extends the Department of Veterans Affairs’ authority to collect nursing home copayments and to provide nursing home care to veterans with significant service-connected disabilities.
The outcome of the vote remains uncertain, but if enacted, the CR would provide short-term stability for critical healthcare, housing, and long-term care programs that directly affect providers and older Ohioans.
Read LeadingAge’s full analysis of the House Continuing Resolution.