Retirees who have low incomes should look into Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). These programs, funded by Medicaid, help seniors pay for Medicare expenses such as Part B premiums. MSPs are run by the individual states, so you'll need to check with your state to see whether you qualify.

Core programs will keep running because their funding is built into law. But a popular Medicare benefit has already ended, and local health centers may be at risk unless Congress acts soon.

Doctors, hospitals and other health providers could see delays in Medicare and Medicaid payments during a longer-term shutdown.

CMS provided the new updates ahead of the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, scheduled from October 15, 2025, to December 7, 2025.

Hospitals appear to be on a collision course with the Trump administration over its push to change the way Medicare pays them for certain outpatient procedures. Why it matters: Health systems stand to lose billions of dollars if the administration expands "site-neutral" payment policies that pay the same rate for some services regardless if they're delivered in hospital outpatient facilities or doctors' offices.

The Medicare program will continue during the current government shutdown, but other activities, such as policy and rulemaking, may not continue, according to a contingency plan posted to the Centers

The cutoff for certain telehealth payments applies only to Medicare patients and does not apply to the state’s Medicaid program, according to GNYHA. Private insurers and Medicare Advantage providers may adopt varied telehealth rules during the shutdown should it occur, the memo said.

The budget bill signed by President Trump suspended an effort to enroll more low-income older Americans in programs that assist them with rising health care costs.