As of this week, the federal government has shut down, and the impacts are already being felt across systems and services our community depends on.
Congress was unable to pass a temporary funding bill before the deadline. With negotiations ongoing and both chambers in recess until later this week, we are now in a federal shutdown with no clear timeline for resolution. Agencies have begun implementing contingency plans, and major disruptions are unfolding across health care access, research oversight, and public health infrastructure.
What This Means for Our Community
Severe Staffing Reductions Across Agencies
Most federal departments have significantly scaled back operations, with some reducing staff by 80% or more. This affects everything from communications and oversight to public engagement and grant processing.
Key areas of impact include:
Health Access & Oversight
- Telehealth: Pandemic-era flexibilities expired on September 30. During the initial pandemic, Congress removed requirements such as seeing a doctor in person before using telehealth.
- Those flexibilities expired with the shutdown, and here is what we are now seeing:
- Telehealth is allowed, but providers may not be paid for those services during the shutdown.
- Many providers are switching back to in-person visits, fearing financial risk.
- There’s no guarantee Congress will retroactively reimburse telehealth claims made during the shutdown.
- Those flexibilities expired with the shutdown, and here is what we are now seeing:
- Premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA): Without action, subsidies may lapse, and insurance companies have already begun setting higher rates in anticipation. Open enrollment begins November 1, and letters have already started going out. Many people will be able to start seeing their updated available ACA plans and rates by the last week of October.
- HHS: Oversight of research contracts, grant administration, and data collection has largely halted.
- CMS: Oversight functions are limited; a temporary hold has been placed on Medicare fee-for-service claims. Rural providers could face payment disruptions if the shutdown continues due to changes in reimbursement formulas.
- NIH: New patient admissions to the Clinical Center are paused except in medically necessary cases. Broader research activity is constrained.
- CDC: Public communications on health threats are reduced.
- EPA: Environmental health work—including permitting and enforcement—has largely stopped.
Advocacy Action to Focus On This Week:
MEAction has put together an easy-to-use toolkit to continue pushing for legislative action on Telehealth, which is an urgent priority for our community. You can take action here: https://www.meaction.net/telehealth
Ways to Stay Connected and Supported
If this moment feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Many in our community are holding multiple roles—as patients, caregivers, parents, workers, or advocates. Here are a few ways to stay connected and supported:
- Mutual Aid: Join or create a local network for peer-to-peer, community-based support: Mutual Aid Hub
- Support Groups: The Bateman Horne Center has support groups available. Details here.
- Resources:
Final Thought
We don’t yet know how long this shutdown will last. But we do know our community has always made a powerful impact through sustained, smart advocacy. We will continue monitoring developments, identifying new openings, and standing alongside you through this time of uncertainty.
With care and solidarity,
Monique Wike
Advocacy Director, Solve M.E.