WASHINGTON—If there’s a government shutdown at midnight tonight, U.S. troops won’t be paid but Congress will—and so will DME claims.
According to an HHS official, because Medicare fee-for-service claims are handled by contractors and paid from discretionary funds, there would be no immediate effect.
“In the case of a short-term lapse, contractors would continue to process claims in a standard, timely fashion,” the official told HomeCare.
“In the case of a longer-term shutdown, our ability to pay contractors may be compromised.”
With only hours to go and the shutdown clock ticking, President Obama will officially order federal agencies to start implementing their shutdown plans “any minute now,” according to a report from CQ Roll Call. The president cancelled scheduled trips for today and tomorrow to stay at the White House.
If the budget impasse comes to pass and lasts, the HHS official said, more information will be coming regarding HHS, CMS and agency functions.