As of Oct. 1, 2025, the federal government entered a full shutdown after Congress failed to pass any of its 12 appropriations bills.

Unlike partial shutdowns in years past, this one affects nearly every agency — including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Labor — all of which play a direct role in healthcare delivery and reimbursement.

Impact of the 2025 government shutdown on CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists

For CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists, the ripple effects reach from education and workforce programs to payment delays, telehealth restrictions, and regulatory slowdowns.

On Oct. 8, AANA’s webinar “Policy, Politics, and Power Plays: Government Shutdown Edition” outlined what CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists can expect from the 2025 shutdown.

Here are the five biggest takeaways.

1. Title VIII nursing workforce funding at risk

Title VIII, which supports nursing education and workforce development, is caught in congressional gridlock. Neither the House nor Senate finalized their Labor-HHS appropriations bills before the shutdown, and with no reauthorization, Title VIII programs expired on Oct. 1.

• Senate version: $2 million in cuts, mostly to workforce diversity programs.
• House version: $48 million in cuts, eliminating the Nursing Workforce Diversity and Nurse Faculty Loan programs.

While Congress often funds lapsed programs retroactively, this administration’s focus on rescissions raises the risk of being reclaimed.

“If you are a program director or have experienced withheld funding, reach out to AANA,” urged Matthew Thackston, AANA’s Director of Federal Government Affairs during the Oct. 8 webinar.

For CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists in academia or workforce development, this uncertainty underscores the importance of continued advocacy to protect nursing education pipelines.

2. Medicare operations continue — but delays loom

CMS contingency plans allow essential operations to continue. However, 47% of staff are furloughed, and most policymaking is paused.

What continues:

• Claims processing and payments via Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs)
• Mandatory programs like Medicare and Medicaid operations

What slows down:

• Policy guidance, rulemaking, and provider education
• Certification and recertification surveys for hospitals and facilities

CMS announced a temporary hold on claims tied to expiring legislative provisions, meaning payments to CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists may be slightly delayed if the shutdown persists.

“Medicare has a 14-day payment floor, so we expect minimal impact early on,” explained Romy Gelb-Zimmer, AANA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs. “But prolonged shutdowns could extend that timeline.”

3. Telehealth coverage changes after the 2025 shutdown

As of Oct. 1, pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities have expired. Medicare now limits coverage to:

• Real-time audiovisual communication (audio-only no longer qualifies)
• Visits in rural or shortage areas (home-based visits excluded elsewhere)

CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists remain eligible Medicare telehealth providers but face tighter restrictions. This shift particularly affects those providing pain management or preoperative consultations in rural areas.

4. Private payer reimbursement cuts add pressure for CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists

Despite widespread opposition, UnitedHealthcare implemented its 15% reduction in QZ reimbursement for CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists on Oct. 1 — the same day the shutdown began. Read AANA’s statement on UnitedHealthcare’s decision.

AANA’s coalition partners, including the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and the American Association of Birth Centers, continue working to reverse the policy. The cuts threaten care access in rural and underserved communities where CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists are often the sole anesthesia providers.

“These reimbursement cuts have a ripple effect,” Gelb-Zimmer noted. “Facilities may be forced to scale back surgical services or close entirely, leaving patients without access to essential care.”

5. AANA advocacy remains strong — from Washington to the grassroots

Even amid a shutdown, AANA continues to drive advocacy forward.

Student loan cap proposal could affect CRNA status
The Department of Education’s proposed rules would cap federal direct loans for graduate and professional students. AANA is working to ensure CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists are defined as professional students, coordinating coalition letters and outreach to program directors.

On political engagement
AANA continues to engage with congressional offices and key policymakers to protect CRNA reimbursement and workforce priorities. Members are encouraged to stay informed, contact lawmakers, and participate in grassroots campaigns through AANA’s CRNAdvocacy portal. Every CRNA and resident voice strengthens the profession’s presence in Washington.

AANA advocacy and next steps for CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists

The 2025 shutdown highlights the importance of stable policy and funding for CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists. Even when patient care continues, policy gridlock can reshape the profession — from workforce programs to reimbursement and education.

Quick recap:

• Title VIII funding remains at risk
• Medicare payments may slow if the shutdown continues
• Telehealth flexibilities have ended
• Private payer cuts require unified advocacy
• AANA’s grassroots and federal efforts remain critical

Stay informed through AANA’s Federal Executive Actions page— because the work doesn’t stop, and neither does the CRNA voice in Washington.