When the federal government shuts down, many people wonder: Will Medicare stop working? Will my care be interrupted? 

The good news is that most of Medicare’s core benefits continue as usual. However, some services and the way care is delivered may change for a while — especially for telehealth and at-home care programs. 

Why Medicare continues during the shutdown 

Medicare is funded differently from many other parts of the government. It’s what’s called “mandatory spending,” meaning its funding is built into law and doesn’t need to be renewed each year by Congress. 

Because of this, the essential parts of Medicare — like paying doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers — continue to operate even when other parts of the government shut down. 

The good news is you can still go to the doctor, use your benefits, and expect your claims to be processed just as they normally would. That’s reassuring news for anyone who depends on Medicare. 

How your healthcare services may be affected 

Even though your Medicare coverage is not affected, you may notice changes in how care is delivered or accessed. Here are a few areas where things may shift: 

Telehealth Services 

During the COVID-19 emergency and afterward, Medicare expanded telehealth and made it easier for people to have virtual visits — at home, from anywhere, often with audio-only options. But as of October 1, 2025, many of those extra flexibilities have expired because the shutdown and budget delays prevented a timely renewal (except those being treated for mental health or substance use disorders).  

What this means for you: 

• You may now need to be in a clinic or hospital site (rather than your home) for certain telehealth services. 
• Audio-only telehealth visits (just phone calls) may no longer be covered in many situations. 
• Some providers may no longer offer telehealth for certain services (or may pause it) because they’re unsure they’ll be reimbursed. 

If you’ve grown accustomed to virtual visits with your medical providers, you might see changes or need to talk with your provider about how they’re adapting. 

“Hospital-at‐Home” and Other At-Home Care Models 

Another example is the Acute Hospital Care at Home program. Introduced during COVID-19 epidemic, it allowed certain Medicare patients to receive hospital-level care from the comfort of their own homes instead of being admitted to a hospital. That program has been paused for now because its federal approval ran out and couldn’t be renewed during the shutdown. 

That means, for some people currently enrolled in or eligible for such programs, care might shift back into a traditional hospital setting rather than at home — which can feel like a setback for convenience, comfort, and recovery in familiar surroundings. 

Administrative Services & Support May Be Slower 

Your Medicare coverage and payments to doctors will keep going, but some of the administrative work that happens in the background may take longer right now. That includes things like reviewing new regulations or answering general questions. If you call Medicare or apply for something new, you might notice slower response times until the shutdown ends. 

What You Can Do to Stay Prepared 

Here are a few practical steps to help you navigate these changes: 

• Ask your provider: If you have a scheduled telehealth visit, check if they still offer it under the new rules — or whether an in-person visit will be required instead. 
• Understand your plan: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan (rather than just Original Medicare), check with your plan about telehealth or at-home care options, as some plans may retain more flexibility. 
• Plan ahead for travel or in-person visits: If telehealth has become your regular way of seeing your doctor, you might want to schedule ahead for in-person visits, especially if travel or mobility is a concern. 
• Document changes: If a telehealth appointment is cancelled or moved because of reimbursement uncertainty, keep a note of it. It may help if policies are changed later or if retroactive payments are considered. 
• Stay informed: Visit Medicare.gov for official updates and reach out to your plan if you get any notices or have questions. Things may change as the situation evolves, so it’s good to stay up to date. 

It’s natural to feel uneasy about changes that affect your care. If you have questions or upcoming appointments, reach out to your doctor or plan now so you know what to expect and can plan with confidence. 

At ClearMatch, our goal is to help you stay informed so you can make the best decisions and feel confident in your care — no matter what changes may be happening in the background. 

Additional Resources

• WhiteHouse.gov: Government Shutdown Clock
• SSA.gov: SSA Shutdown Information