These are uncertain times with the government shutdown. Hearing-related services could possibly be affected. Federal agency functions are slowed down or even stopped. Here are some of the things I found in my research. Please know that this information is not meant to be all-inclusive. It’s just the results of my research on the issue. No guarantees that it is all correct.
Telehealth access can be disrupted.
As of the 2025 shutdown, expanded telehealth flexibilities that allowed for remote audiology services expired. This can restrict Medicare beneficiaries’ access to fine-tuning hearing aids, counseling, troubleshooting, and monitoring hearing aid performance, especially for those living in rural areas.
Cochlear Implant surgery and follow-up appointment delays are possible.
A government shutdown could impact surgery through a suspension or delay of Medicare payments and a halt in telehealth services, especially impacting independent practices that rely on prompt cash flow. While the surgeries themselves are still being approved, the administrative and financial disruptions caused by a shutdown could create significant problems for both patients and providers.
Essential administrative functions could be delayed, potentially slowing down the process for patients who need to navigate insurance requirements or appeal decisions.
During a shutdown, the FDA may not process new medical device submissions, including updates or replacements.
Current cochlear implant users who rely on audiological services, accessories, and maintenance may experience interruptions
A shutdown can introduce uncertainty into the supply chain for device parts and accessories, potentially affecting patients’ access to necessary equipment.
Medicare and Medicaid operations are reduced.
Federal health agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) operate with a limited number of staff. This can lead to delays in claims processing and other administrative tasks for hearing health services covered by Medicare and Medicaid
Hearing research and intervention can be jeopardized.
Funding interruptions and furloughs could negatively impact federal research on hearing health and the development of new devices. Programs like Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), which rely on federal support, may also face budget shortfalls.
Social Security payments for existing benefits continue. In a shutdown, payments for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for beneficiaries who are already approved are not interrupted. This is because funding for these programs is considered mandatory spending.
New and pending SSDI and SSI claims may slow. While payments continue, other SSA services operate with reduced staffing. This can slow the processing of new applications and reconsideration requests for disability benefits
Disability hearings will likely proceed. Social Security disability hearings before Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) typically continue during a shutdown. However, wait times for other services and customer support may increase.
Veterans’ Administration
VA benefits are generally protected. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) receives funding for benefits like disability compensation in advance. As a result, payments for hearing loss-related claims and other benefits continue uninterrupted during a shutdown.
All VA medical facilities, outpatient clinics, and veteran centers stay operational.
For veterans with hearing loss, access to the Veterans Crisis Line is also maintained.
What can you do?
Check with your provider: Confirm with your healthcare provider and/or audiologist whether your appointments or claims processing could be affected. Be aware that telehealth options may have changed.
For Social Security issues: Visit the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov or set up a “my Social Security” account to manage benefits online and find the latest information. During a shutdown, some online services are still available
For veteran services: Visit the VA website at www.va.gov or call 1-800-MyVA411 for updated information.
By Katie Wright, President HLAA-CA
