Government Shutdown – How does it affect Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, or Veterans Affairs payments?
In essence, these services remain unaffected.
Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security operate on continuous funding, distinguishing them from other programs that need periodic renewals (which are subject to the ongoing budget negotiations).
Per the latest contingency strategy from the Department of Veterans Affairs (updated in 2021), Veterans Health Administration centers will continue to function at full capacity, with the majority of staff retaining their positions due to pre-allocated funds.
Furthermore, the VA confirms that services like compensation, pension benefits, housing, and burial will continue uninterrupted, even in the event of a government shutdown.