Why a federal government shutdown doesn’t stop Long-Term Care Medicaid or VA Aid & Attendance in Colorado
Why a federal government shutdown doesn’t stop Long-Term Care Medicaid or VA Aid & Attendance in Colorado
Federal shutdowns feel scary — headlines about furloughed workers and frozen programs make everyone wonder whether essential benefits will stop. If you or a loved one rely on Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) through Colorado’s Medicaid (Health First Colorado) or VA Aid & Attendance (the VA pension program that helps pay for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing homes), here’s the clear, practical reality: benefits and care do not stop. Read more below on why, what can be affected (usually indirectly), and what to watch for — with quick links to the official sources so you can verify.
The short version
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid) and CHP+ will continue as normal during the shutdown — members keep coverage and services. Health First Colorado+1
The Department of Veterans Affairs keeps medical care and benefits moving; VA medical centers and benefit payments continue. Aid & Attendance payments are not cut off. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs+1
Why benefits continue: mandatory funding and contingency planning
Two technical facts make the difference:
Medicaid is largely funded through mandatory spending and state–federal partnerships. Even during lapses in annual appropriations, Medicaid programs generally keep operating because states have budgeted and because many Medicaid funding streams are mandatory or covered by advance appropriations for the near term. Federal agencies (like CMS) also plan to maintain mission-critical Medicaid functions during a lapse. That’s why Colorado’s Health First Colorado explicitly notes no impact to member coverage during the current shutdown. HHS.gov+1
The VA classifies medical care and core benefits as essential. The VA has contingency plans that keep medical centers, outpatient clinics, and benefits processing running during funding lapses. Routine care, compensation/pension payments, burials, the Veterans Crisis Line and other core services remain operational. That means Aid & Attendance applicants and current recipients should continue receiving benefits and care. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs+1
What isn’t at risk (practical examples)
Ongoing home-care visits, nursing home payments, therapy services and other LTSS that you already receive through Health First Colorado will continue. Health First Colorado
Existing VA pension payments (including Aid & Attendance) and veteran medical appointments continue as scheduled. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs+1
What might be affected (usually minor or indirect)
Shutdowns can still create friction even if benefits continue:
Slower processing for new federal rulemaking or non-essential administrative tasks. Policy work, outreach, and noncritical rulemaking often pause during shutdowns, which can delay policy updates or guidance documents from CMS. This generally won’t change immediate eligibility or payments, but it can slow communications about program changes. AASM+1
Potential short delays in some federal reimbursements or provider paperwork. States typically continue paying providers; sometimes federal reporting or federal reimbursements to states are slowed depending on the agency staffing and cash flow arrangements. Colorado’s HCPF has contingency plans to mitigate payment disruptions for LTSS providers. HCPF+1
Programs that are discretionary or run with short contingency funds (like WIC) could be more vulnerable. That’s why broader public messaging often warns about food programs and certain other services — but that does not mean Medicaid LTSS or VA Aid & Attendance stops. The Washington Post+1
What you should do (practical checklist)
If you’re already enrolled: Keep any upcoming appointments and continue normal use of services. Bring your Health First Colorado or VA ID/cards to appointments as usual.
If you’ve applied and are waiting: Expect that most benefit processing will continue, but there may be small administrative delays.
If you’re a provider: Keep submitting claims per usual. Monitor HCPF and CMS provider notices for any temporary process changes and maintain documentation in case of delayed reimbursements. HCPF+1
Bottom line
A government shutdown is disruptive for many reasons, but if you or a family member rely on Long-Term Care Medicaid in Colorado or VA Aid & Attendance, your care and core benefits are not going to stop. Colorado’s Health First Colorado has said member coverage won’t be affected, federal contingency plans keep CMS and VA mission-critical functions running, and the structure of Medicaid and VA funding protects ongoing payments and medical care even during appropriations lapses. That said, keep a lookout for small administrative delays and rely on official channels (HCPF and the VA) for updates. Health First Colorado+2U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs+2