The impact on U.S. Health Programs if the Federal Government Shuts Down

What Happens to Health Programs if the Federal Government Shuts Down? - KFF Health News Medicare and Medicaid shouldn’t be affected, but confusion can be expected. Lynne Shallcross KFF Health News

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.

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