What A Government Shutdown Actually Means For CKD And Dialysis Patients' Social Security And Medicare
© ALL CREDIT TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
Congress has missed a Government Shutdown deadline. Many Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients have frantically emailed KidneyBuzz.com asking about how the Government Shutdown will impact them and the money they expect from Social Security, Medicare, and other programs critical to buy medication, food, and essentials. Many patients will be surprised to learn how the shutdown may and may not impact them.
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The House and Senate were unable to pass a spending bill before the Federal Government ran out of money and closed its doors. The primary question that most patients have asked is, "Will my Social Security and Medicare check and benefits be delayed or suspended until the Government reopens?" The answer is, "No."
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"Social Security checks go out and will go out. Social Security is not impacted by any Government Shutdown because the funding is mandatory and not appropriated," said Mick Mulvaney (Director of the Office of Management and Budget). Similarly, Medicare is exempt (not Congressionally appropriated) and will be funded even while Congress attempts to agree to a budget and reopen the Government.
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However, the Chronic Kidney Disease Community will still likely be impacted. For example, during previous shutdowns, the Food and Drug Administration delayed approval of drugs and medical devices. This could include the Artificial Implantable Kidney as it enters its first phase of Human Trials. What's more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to scale back its monitoring of disease outbreaks. This is especially troubling as the Flu Season has been more vicious and deadly this year and Chronic Kidney Disease/Dialysis patients are at such high risk of contracting the Flu as a result of a low immune system.
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How has the Government Shutdown impacted you personally? Share your thoughts and insights with the over 68,000 Friends on the KidneyBuzz.com Facebook (click here). While you are there, like the KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page and visit KidneyBuzz.com regularly (250,000 monthly viewers) for the latest tailored breaking news and information which teaches those with Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure how to better manage and improve their lives. You may become a regular visitor like, Charles Griffin who said, "Praise God for KidneyBuzz."