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Federal Government Shutdown: What Happens Now?

We are now in a federal government shutdown as congress was not able to pass a spending package by the September 30th deadline. Without a continuing resolution (CR) or an omnibus funding bill, the government will remain shut down. In a recent message to members, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) stated that at this time they anticipate minimal impact on long term care. Medicare and Medicaid are mandatory health program payments that continue even during a lapse of appropriations. 
 
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a contingency plan to maintain necessary staffing and funding for certain programs during this time. This includes continuing Medicare and Medicaid payments to providers and states. There may be slight delays in payments, waiver approvals, and technical assistance due to fewer federal staff available to do this work, but AHCA does not anticipate serious disruptions. The same is true for HUD programs, such as section 232 loan servicing. If the government shutdown is prolonged, they will keep us posted.  

Rulemaking and other policy development may be delayed and CMS survey and certification surveys will focus on serious, complaint investigations, and other survey activities (recertification, initial and less serous complaint investigations) by federal staff will be suspended. See summary of CMS activities during a lapse in appropriations.

Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org

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