The U.S. government has officially shut down and what it means

At midnight on October 1st, the government of the United States shut down. The bitter stalemate between Republicans and Democrats in recent weeks — largely centered around billions of dollars in enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies — is the first government funding lapse of President Donald Trump’s second administration.

During the shutdown, the federal government curtails agency activities and services and ceases non-essential operations. It also furloughs non-essential workers, and retains only essential employees in departments that protect human life or property.

Dana Marie Kennedy, State Director of AARP Arizona joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss more on the shut down and the effects it will have on the nation as a whole.

Unless the shut down continues for three months, social security recipients can still expect their monthly checks from the federal government. Medicare recipients will also continue to receive their benefits, unless you are just now applying. For those just applying, they could expect delays.

“I’m a little concerned about that open enrollment because a lot of times people have questions, and they want to be able to contact Medicare,” Kennedy said. “Caseworkers, that might be impacted by this, they may be furloughed.”

While benefits to Medicare recipients will continue, there could be a delay in payments to doctors or hospitals; however, this will not restrict patients’ ability to receive medical services, but providers may not be able to get their payment right away.

The longer the shut down lasts, the more disruptions will be expected to occur.

“Once the money runs out, then there’s going to be delays with SNAP benefits as well,” Kennedy said. “People who need food assistance, that could be impact as well.”

According to Kennedy, seniors just want to know what to expect. Seniors mainly want to know that they will still receive any payments or support they need. Most federally funded programs will continue to support their recipients, unless the shut down runs long enough to have the money allocated to each program run out.