2025 US Government Shutdown Updates

As of today, October 1, 2025, the U.S. Government is shut down, meaning Congress has failed to allocate the funding necessary for regular operations. Essential personnel will continue work critical to the nation’s security and safety. Here are a number of frequently asked questions by agents and clients alike.

Will Social Security checks still be processed?
Yes, Social Security checks are considered essential work, and no interruption in benefits is expected. However, other social security operations like appeals and updating earnings will be suspended as the limited staff works only on essential tasks, such as processing benefit applications and ensuring timely payments. Medicare Beneficiaries needing a new Medicare Card will not be able to order one during the shutdown. They can log into mySSA.gov to download their benefit letter if needed.

Will Medicare still pay claims?
Yes, Medicare will continue processing claims, and Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) are expected to continue to work during the shutdown. However, some oversight of MACs is expected to be limited. Casework, appeals, and service requests are likely to be delayed, and wait times may be longer when calling Medicare.

Are Medicare-covered expanded telehealth services impacted by the shutdown?
Yes. The expansion of telehealth services under Medicare expired at 12:00 AM October 1, 2025 due to Congress not reaching a funding agreement. Telehealth services will no longer be billable in many cases, although Medicare could offer back-payment of claims if Congress eventually agrees to extend telehealth expansion. Rural beneficiaries conducting telehealth visits in a healthcare setting are still covered.

Will the Hospital at Home program continue?
No, the shutdown ended authorization or flexibilities in the Hospital at Home program and providers were notified on Tuesday to either discharge patients receiving Hospital at Home care or move them to a physical hospital.
How are Medicaid, CHIP, and other entitlements impacted by the shutdown?Right now, CMS has funding to continue payments to states for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and other entitlement programs. If the shutdown continues, that could change for some programs.

Will the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occur as scheduled?
Yes, although delays in processing are to be expected and Medicare Contractors may have reduced staffing. There is no expectation that the beginning of AEP will be affected, even if the shutdown were to extend past October 15. Similarly, Marketplace (ACA) activities will remain open and unaffected by the shutdown.

The longer the government shutdown lasts, the more services may be affected. We will continue to update you as additional questions (and answers) arise.