Despite the beginning of a partial federal shutdown on Oct. 1, due to Congress’ failure to reach an agreement to keep agencies fully funded, health care providers won’t face a cutoff in Medicare payments, HHS makes clear in its contingency staffing plan.
 
“Over the short term, home health agencies, hospices and Medicaid home care companies will see little or no change as their payments will continue without interruption,” says Bill Dombi, National Association for Home Care and Hospice VP for law. “But for those providers seeking Medicare provider enrollment, the shutdown will likely stop any progress in their program certification.”
 
The shutdown, which is tied to legislators’ continuing battle over the fate of the Affordable Care Act, is causing about 800,000 federal employees to be furloughed for an indefinite period, including about 52% of HHS’ 78,198 employees and, as a result, some of the agency’s activities are being curtailed or suspended. The full impact of the shutdown has yet to be determined.