The Government is Closed, Now What?
Your Guide to Benefit Enrollments while Washington hits pause.
The federal shutdown has left many Americans uncertain about what to expect this fall. For those planning to enroll in health insurance, Medicare, or prepare year end tax filings, the natural question is how much this will disrupt the process. While federal services have slowed, most of what matters to individuals and families is still moving forward. The difference will come down to how organized and proactive you are in the weeks ahead.
Below are a few ways to stay efficient, avoid unnecessary delays, and maintain peace of mind while Washington sorts itself out.
1. File and enroll early.
Open Enrollment remains active despite the shutdown. Medicare enrollment runs through December 7, and the Marketplace deadline extends into January. The catch is that many of the systems used to verify income and eligibility, like those operated by the IRS or Social Security Administration, are functioning with reduced staff. That means the later you submit your application or paperwork, the longer it may sit in queue. Submitting early gives you a cushion against the backlog and ensures you are not scrambling near the cutoff dates when processing slows even further.
Even if your application requires later verification or corrections, it is better to have it in the system now than to wait. Deadlines are firm, and submitting late because of a shutdown delay will not make exceptions any more likely.
2. Keep your paperwork complete and digital.
Organization is half the battle in times like this. Have your documentation, identification, proof of income, past coverage details, and tax records saved in one easily accessible place. Storing everything digitally allows you to move quickly if one system stalls or a representative requests information through a different channel. It also keeps you from relying on mail or call centers that are either short staffed or closed.
A good rule of thumb: if you cannot access or send what is needed within five minutes, you are not ready. The goal is to make every interaction with a system or advisor as smooth and complete as possible so you are never at the mercy of a government delay.
3. Do not wait for Washington to move first.
If your enrollment or filing depends on a federal confirmation, whether that is income verification, subsidy eligibility, or an IRS acknowledgment, do not let that stop you from moving forward. File or enroll using your most accurate and current information available. Corrections and updates can always be made once agencies catch up, but waiting to act only compounds the delay.
We have seen it in every previous shutdown: those who take action early have far fewer issues once the government reopens. Those who wait for the system to clear first usually find themselves at the back of the line.
4. Rely on private and independent systems where possible.
Private carriers, banks, and administrators continue to operate normally during a shutdown. These systems are not dependent on federal staffing or funding, and that makes them a lifeline in times of government gridlock. Whenever possible, submit through private channels that allow for verification and approval independent of federal systems.
Independent advisors, financial institutions, and carriers often have direct communication lines that bypass the slowdown entirely. They can process coverage changes, update records, and issue confirmations even when government portals are backlogged. Take advantage of that flexibility.
5. Prepare for slower tax processing.
The IRS continues to accept filings electronically, but with fewer employees on duty, response times and confirmations will take longer. Refunds may be delayed, and mailed correspondence could go unanswered until normal operations resume. The best defense is preparation: organize your records, know what deductions and forms you will need, and aim to have your materials ready to file as soon as systems are fully functional again.
Think of it as using the downtime to your advantage. While others wait, you can get ahead by having your entire file organized and reviewed so it is ready for immediate submission when processing speeds return to normal.
6. Keep perspective and stay proactive.
Shutdowns are inconvenient, but they are temporary. The real challenge is not the slowdown, it is complacency. The clients who stay organized, keep documentation current, and continue moving forward always recover fastest once operations resume. Staying calm and proactive not only protects your time but also your peace of mind.
Washington will eventually resolve its internal disagreements. When it does, there will be a flood of delayed paperwork, backlogged applications, and frustrated filers. By preparing now, you ensure you are not one of them.
The lesson is simple: control what you can, prepare for what you cannot, and never let a temporary disruption derail your long term plans. A little forethought today will save weeks of frustration tomorrow.
