CMS released updated instructions to Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) overnight, instructing them to specifically hold claims impacted by expired Medicare legislative provisions. This clarification followed yesterday's announcement, suggesting a potential widespread claims hold.

"Effective October 1, 2025, CMS instructed all Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to hold claims with dates of service beginning on or after October 1, 2025, for services impacted by the expired Medicare legislative payment provisions passed under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. In light of the ongoing government shutdown, CMS will continue to process and pay held claims in a timely manner, except for select claims for services impacted by the expired provisions. To date, no payments have been delayed as statute already requires all claims to be held for a minimum of fourteen days, and this recent hold is consistent with that statutory requirement. Providers may continue to submit claims accordingly."