The United States Government is officially shutdown after the Senate was unable to come to an agreement on the federal budget. Senate Democrats continue to argue for the addition of an extension to the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) to the budget. At the same time, Senate Republicans maintain that they will revisit EPTCs after a budget is passed. With Thursday being a holiday, the Senate was out of session, but a fourth round of votes is planned for today. Majority Leader Thune has threatened that if the Senate is unable to pass the budget today, they will be in recess until the following Monday.

HHS has furloughed 41% of its employees, with CDC being hit the hardest of any agency. CMS is retaining 53% of its staff during the shutdown. Medicare telehealth flexibilities have reverted to the limited use that existed before the pandemic. The Trump administration has warned that mass firings are coming should the shutdown last long enough, but officials have warned several agencies that the move could violate appropriations law.

We know that legislators are working towards an agreement that will end the shutdown, with a group of Republican Senators putting together a package that would extend EPTCs. Alongside them, a bipartisan group of Senators is working together to find a way out of this shutdown, seeking a bipartisan solution on the budget.

As we continue to monitor the situation, we will keep you updated with the most up-to-date information.