Government Funding Update

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 (H.R. 7148), on January 22, which includes several provisions affecting telehealth, payment policy, diabetes prevention and treatment, and nutrition-related programs. As the January 30 funding deadline approaches, Congress has not yet reached agreement on the six-bill Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package, which includes provisions to:

• Extend critical Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027 and the Medicare Work Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI) floor.
• Modernize and expand the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program by removing the once-in-a-lifetime program cap, allowing fully virtual providers to participate in the program, and allowing providers to bill for services for patients who are receiving virtual services but live in another state.
• Fund the Special Diabetes Programs, ensuring continued investment in Type 1 diabetes research and diabetes prevention and treatment services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

While there is broad interest in avoiding a government shutdown, the path forward remains uncertain. The Academy continues to monitor developments and will provide updates as they become available.