Possible gov't shutdown

[cardsfan69]

Was wondering if the gov't shuts down will that have any affect on programs like Ryan White and ADAP?

Thanks for any info.

[metekrop]

Some state like Florida and VA have already begun shutting down ADAP.

[cardsfan69]

Well i live in Florida and yes ADAP went broke back in february until the new funding kicked in April 1st now ADAP is back up and running (with a waiting list of course) ...................so are u referring to that..........................or are u saying those state's ADAP's are going to be affected by the govt shutdown?

[JR Gabbard]

Neither of those are due to the looming government shutdown.  They are the result of past inadequate funding.

As far as the potential shutdown goes, it is too soon to fully answer the question.  The care we receive from our medical providers won't be impacted, but the medical providers will have to hold off billing until after the shutdown.  Likewise getting your meds shouldn't be impacted, but the pharmacy might have to wait to bill Medicare.  ADAP is state-level, so if ADAP pays for your meds the pharmacist will still be able to bill for those.

Social Security (see SSA Shutdown Contingency Plan) will still process initial applications, and requests for reconsideration.  DDS will still work up the disability aspects.  But the hearing offices will be gutted.  Requests for on the record determinations will not be processed, nor will most of the other functions related to ALJ appeals.  Appeals will not be heard, although cases will.  I'm not sure how SSA will handle it if your 60-day window to request a hearing on a denial falls during a time when they are not accepting appeals.  I would argue that your time to appeal is tolled, because you didn't have an meaningful opportunity to appeal, but for safety's sake I would get those appeals postmarked by midnight EST tonight (5 1/2 hours from the time I'm writing this).

All told SSA plans to furlough 20,000+ employees (almost half from hearing and appeals).  Their stated reason for not shutting down the application process is that it would create a totally unmanageable workload for when the shutdown ends. 

The most important thing is that you will still receive your monthly benefit on time.  SSA is retaining the staff that handles those functions.  It was that or face an angry mob of grandmothers storming the Bastille!

HOPWA is not administered by federal employees at the provider level, so those payments will probably not be impacted.

Expect government-sponsored websites to be down.  That means the SSA website, and the sites that host the US Code and CFR.  LIkewise the Medicare website and the HUD website.  USAJobs.gov may be down, so if you are looking for a job with the federal government (like I am), get those resumes in now if the deadline falls within the next few weeks.

If the shutdown lasts for more than a week or two, things will get worse as backlogs grow.