Last night, the president signed the bill passed by the 119th U.S. Congress to fund the government through the end of January 2026, ending the longest government shutdown in United States history. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics commends the continuing resolution’s inclusion of provisions that protect access to essential health and nutrition services for millions of Americans.
Here are the key takeaways for vital health and nutrition programs included in the continuing resolution:
- The legislation extends geographic and originating site waivers for Medicare telehealth services through January 30, 2026. These waivers are a critical step to ensure continuity of care for patients and provide long-overdue clarity to providers whose claims have been on hold since the expiration of the public health emergency telehealth waiver. Reliable access to virtual care is essential to advancing nutrition goals and overall health and well-being, supporting rural and underserved communities, and maintaining practitioner connections that improve health outcomes. Providers should consult their Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for further guidance. The Academy will continue to monitor claims guidance communications and provide updates if new information becomes available.
- The continuing resolution includes full funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for fiscal year 2026, protecting fruit and vegetable benefits and ensuring that families can continue to access the nutritious foods and support services they need.
As federal operations resume, it is vital that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state agencies move quickly to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and address delays that have left many families struggling to afford groceries during the 43-day government shutdown. Policymakers must also take steps to prevent similar disruptions in the future and safeguard the nutrition and health programs that millions of Americans rely on every day.
The Academy remains committed to advancing evidence-based policies that strengthen access to health care and nutrition security for all.
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