The federal government shutdown is nearing a full week with lawmakers still at an impasse on negotiations and the House of Representatives extending its recess until next week, in an effort to force Senate Democrats to accept the continuing resolution (CR) they passed last month.
In the Senate, 60 votes are required to advance any package, so at least seven Democrats would need to join all 53 Republicans. Current Democratic priorities include: making permanent the enhanced ACA marketplace premium tax credits, rolling back Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and limiting future White House rescissions of Congressionally-approved spending.
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has advised agencies to prepare for a possible “reduction in force” rather than temporary furloughs in a prolonged shutdown. Employees not funded by mandatory spending, or whose programs are not aligned with presidential priorities, could be laid off. OMB noted that Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, and other essential services would be exempt.
What This Means for Seniors and Senior Living Communities
- Social Security: Monthly payments continue for current beneficiaries. New benefit verifications and card issuance may pause.
- Medicare: Coverage continues without interruption.
- Medicaid: Coverage, including Home and Community-Based Services, continues without interruption.
- Veterans Affairs: Benefits continue; new applications and appeals may face delays.
- Public Health: CDC and FDA surveillance (e.g., flu and other infectious diseases) may be limited.
- Postal Service: Mail delivery continues, including mail-order prescriptions.
- Small Business Administration: Most staff would be furloughed; SBA cannot process new loans or loan guarantees.
Argentum is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to report any updates as they become apparent. Please stay tuned for further communications as circumstances develop.