The headlines are everywhere, and it’s natural to wonder, Will the government shutdown affect my Medicare benefits? The short answer is no, your coverage will continue. But that doesn’t mean you won’t feel some of the ripple effects.
In previous shutdowns, even though programs like Medicare and Social Security kept running, delays and service interruptions were common. According to a recent FOX News article, during the 2019 shutdown, over $18 billion in federal payments and services were delayed, according to the Congressional Budget Office. That kind of slowdown can impact how fast new enrollments are processed or how quickly you receive your updated plan materials.
At Absolute Best Insurance, we help clients across South Florida prepare for these types of disruptions. Whether you live in Vero Beach near the Cleveland Clinic or off Pine Island Road in Tamarac, our agents are ready to help you make informed decisions about your benefits.
What Stays the Same During a Government Shutdown?
Not everything grinds to a halt. Programs like Medicare and Medicaid fall under “mandatory spending,” which means they don’t require annual budget approval to keep running. Your Medicare benefits will stay active. Hospitals, doctors, and pharmacies will continue to process claims.
But some parts of the system may slow down. Agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rely on discretionary funding for staffing and administrative support. That means tasks like mailing Medicare cards, answering support lines, or processing new enrollments could take longer.
Delays You Might Notice
A shutdown doesn’t cancel your benefits, but it could affect how fast certain services are delivered. For example:
- You might wait longer to receive a replacement Medicare card.
- Call centers may be short-staffed, leading to long hold times.
- Any recent updates or changes to your coverage could be delayed in the system.
“Our clients in Micco, Greenacres, and Port St. Lucie should know that the most common delay we see during shutdowns is in application processing. Your actual coverage remains intact,” says Stacy Murphy, Owner/Operator of Absolute Best Insurance.
What’s Temporarily Expired?
As of September 30, several healthcare-related provisions expired because they were tied to the funding package Congress failed to pass. These include:
- Telehealth flexibility rules for Medicare patients
- Hospital-at-home care waivers
- Funding for community health centers and rural hospital designations
This matters to you if you’ve been using telehealth from your home in places like Deerfield Beach or Micco. You may now have to visit a medical facility instead.
Also, facilities like Sebastian River Medical Center may no longer qualify for rural provider bonuses unless Congress reinstates those policies.
What It Means for You in Florida
Our team serves a wide region of Florida, from Broward Health North in Deerfield Beach to Tradition Medical Center in Port St. Lucie. We understand how local providers are affected by national policy.
If you live near Jog Road in Greenacres or around Royal Palm Pointe in Vero Beach, your local medical office might be adjusting its billing systems to comply with expired Medicare provisions. The effects vary by provider, but our job is to help you stay ahead of any changes.
“Even if nothing in your plan changes, your provider may need to alter how they deliver services. We help you ask the right questions before that becomes a problem,” Stacy Murphy explains.
Remember: Annual Enrollment Period Is Almost Here
Even if the shutdown creates short-term disruptions, you still have the opportunity to improve your coverage. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7.
This is the time to compare plans, switch providers, or update your prescription coverage. If you’re in Tamarac near Commercial Blvd, Vero Beach off US-1, or Greenacres near Lake Worth Road, you can schedule a free review with us. You may qualify for a plan with better coverage or lower costs.
“Our no-cost plan reviews often uncover overlooked benefits,” says Stacy Murphy. “We’ve helped clients in Sebastian and Port St. Lucie reduce their out-of-pocket costs just by switching plans.”
Get Help Before the Shutdown Causes Backlogs
If you’re thinking about making changes, don’t wait until late October. Government delays could create backlogs, making it harder to process everything in a timely manner.
We offer in-person meetings, phone appointments, and online consultations. Bring your current insurance card, list of medications, and any recent medical bills. We’ll walk through everything with you and explain your options.
From the Space Coast to Broward County, our team is here to help you understand how the shutdown may affect your coverage and what steps to take next.
FAQs About the Government Shutdown & Medicare
Will I lose my Medicare during the shutdown?
No. Your coverage continues. Medicare is funded separately and will not stop due to a government shutdown.
Can I still apply for Medicare or make changes?
Yes, but applications and updates may take longer to process due to staffing issues.
What if I am expecting my Medicare card in the mail?
You may see a delay, but you will still receive it. Keep any existing card or documentation handy.
Will the hospital-at-home program come back?
That depends on Congressional action. Right now, the waiver has expired on September 30.
How can Absolute Best Insurance help me now?
We offer free plan reviews, help with enrollments, and guidance on how policy changes may affect you.
Let us help you find a plan that fits your life, now and in the future. Click here or give our team a call for a free, no-obligation quote.
Tamarac: (954) 642-2101
Deerfield Beach: (754) 778-8700
Greenacres & Vero Beach: (561) 420-0280
Port St. Lucie & Melbourne: (772) 828-2840
Sebastian (Micco): (772) 321-0813
