U.S. Government Shutdown and Medicare—when you see those words together in the headlines, it’s natural to worry. A shutdown can sound alarming, especially if you depend on these programs. But here’s the good news: your Social Security checks will still arrive, Medicare benefits remain secure and Medigap should not be impacted. During Open Enrollment Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) you can still review your options and switch Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage coverage staring Oct 15th.

US Government Shutdown: What It Means for Social Security and Medicare

What’s still running

  • Social Security & Medicare benefits keep paying. SSA’s official plan says programs under Titles II, XVI and XVIII (Medicare) remain funded, and SSA will keep doing what’s needed to make accurate, on-time payments during a lapse. (Source: Social Security)
  • Medicare program continues operating. CMS states the Medicare program will continue during a lapse in appropriations. (Source: HHS.gov)
  • The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) stays on the calendar: Oct 15 – Dec 7.

What may be slower or paused

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will keep front-line activities tied to paying benefits (including applications for benefits and appeals). But some administrative services are paused during the lapse, including:

  • Benefit verifications
  • Earnings record updates not tied to a claim
  • Replacement Medicare cards (note: providers can usually verify eligibility electronically)
  • Certain FOIA, PR/training, and overpayment processing

Enrolling in Medicare during the shutdown

Even with the shutdown, Medicare keeps running and applications for Part A/B through Social Security continue. What might change is the pace at some SSA counters and phone lines, not your ability to enroll.

  • Starting Medicare A/B? You can still apply (some offices may be slower).
  • Comparing coverage for AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7)? That timeline is unchanged. You can review Medicare Advantage and Part D as usual.
  • Lost your Medicare card? Replacement cards may be paused during the lapse, but most doctors can verify eligibility electronically. Don’t let a missing card delay care.

IF YOU PLAN ON ENROLLING IN MEDICARE, DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. SIGN UP 3 MONTHS BEFORE YOU TURN 65 OR, IF YOU DELAYED COVERAGE, AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOUR WORK COVERAGE IS ENDING!

Do this now for AEP

  1. Mark your dates: Open Enrollment AEP runs Oct 15–Dec 7
  2. Go to Medicare.gov to review Part D drug plans (or Medicare Advantage plans) after Oct 15th.
  3. Enter your list of drugs and make any changes to your coverage at Medicare.gov before Dec 7th.

Remember there is no annual open enrollment AEP for Medigap in most states. AEP is primarily for Part D drug and Medicare Advantage switching.

We Are Here: Medigap Enrollment is Still OPEN!

Shutdown or no shutdown, Senior65 is open and helping people enroll in Medigap every day. The government shutdown does NOT affect our ability to enroll you in a private Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan. We work with private insurance carriers, not the federal government, to process your application. If you want predictable bills with Original Medicare, price-check Medigap side-by-side with an instant Medigap quote.

💡Note: Our agents WILL NOT charge you a fee for a quote or enroll you in a plan. We receive commissions directly from insurance providers at no extra cost to you.

How we can help (right now):

  • 🧾 See real Medigap prices in your ZIP (free, no email): Get an Instant Medigap Quote
  • 🔍 Don’t have guaranteed issued Medigap rights? Do a 60-second check with our instant Medigap Underwriting Checker.
  • ☎️ Prefer a human guide? Call 800-930-7956—friendly, no-pressure help
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