For the first time since 2019, congressional gridlock is poised to at least temporarily shut down big parts of the federal government — including many health programs.
If it happens, some government functions would stop completely and some in part, while others wouldn't be immediately affected — including Medicare, Medicaid, and health plans sold under the Affordable Care Act. But a shutdown could complicate the lives of everyone who interacts with any federal health program, as well as the people who work at the agencies administering them.1. Not all federal health spending is the same.
Congress usually keeps the lights on for the government by passing short-term funding bills, known as "continuing resolutions," or CRs, until lawmakers can resolve their differences on longer-term spending. Other activities that may continue are those with funding sources that aren't dependent on annual appropriations. Medicare and Social Security, for example, are entitlements funded by taxes and premiums. Drug approvals at the FDA are largely funded by user fees paid by drugmakers, so they could continue as usual.
A shutdown shouldn't much affect Medicare's annual open enrollment period, which starts Oct. 15 and allows current beneficiaries to join or change private Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans. That's because much of the funding to help seniors and other beneficiaries choose or change Medicare health plans has already been allocated.
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