Updates about the Federal Shutdown and Older Adults
The federal government remains closed after Congress was unable to negotiate an extension of federal funding, which expired at the end of September. Aging Well Durham is sharing information about how the federal shutdown affects priorities like healthcare, Medicare, housing and food/nutrition. We will continue to update this list as updates are shared. For more detailed explanations, we recommend visiting the following websites:
- National Conference of State Legislators — https://www.ncsl.org/in-dc/federal-government-shutdown-what-it-means-for-states-and-programs
- Justice in Aging – https://justiceinaging.org/
Aging Well Durham also encourages you to check the websites of federal government agencies. Many have posted updates about how the shutdown is affecting their services and operations.
Public programs that are mandatorily funded, including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, and Medicaid are expected to continue.
Social Security:
- The Social Security Administration is pausing certain services, such as processing overpayments and issuing replacement Medicare cards. This can create delays, phone jams and difficulty reaching services.
- Applications for new social security cards are paused. Customer service wait times may increase.
- The federal shutdown could delay the cost of living adjustment that the Social Security Administration announces each year. The cost of living adjustment is tied to the Consumer Price Index that is produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Bureau’s operations have been stopped.
Healthcare including the Affordable Care Act (Health Insurance Marketplace/Obamacare), Medicaid and Medicare:
- The extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) is set to expire at the end of the year. EPTC increased the amount of financial assistance to already eligible ACA Marketplace enrollees and increased the number of middle income enrollees who are eligible for the premium tax credits.
- If the EPTCs expire, individuals enrolled in the Marketplace could see premium increases of over 500%, and older adults ages 50-64 will be disproportionately affected.
- Certain COVID-era Medicare programs immediately end, including expanded access to telehealth services and “hospital-at-home” care programs. For the “hospital at home” care programs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have provided guidance to hospitals to either discharge current patients or return them to the hospital immediately. Mental health telehealth services through Medicare will continue.
Housing Assistance:
- Payments for federal housing programs, such as Section 202 senior housing will continue. Most people receiving federal rental assistance should continue to receive their rental subsidies through November.
Veterans Services:
- The Veterans Health Administration’s medical facilities and clinics remain operational. Benefits like compensation and pensions will continue. Some support services, such as VA call centers and certain public contact services, may not be available.
Food and Nutrition, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are expected to continue in the immediate term, but could be impacted if the shutdown is prolonged.
- The FDA has stopped routine food inspection at domestic food facilities and farms that produce many common foods. “For-cause” inspections for food products that have been recalled, associated with a foodborne illness outbreak or that have consumer complaints will continue. The FDA will continue to screen imported food and medical products.
