When the Government Shuts Down, Home Health Can’t

Let’s talk real. A government shutdown isn’t just politics, it’s people. And in healthcare, people are the mission. I’m Jon’na Monet, COO of a multi-state healthcare company and founder of a consulting firm that keeps agencies not just surviving but thriving. So, when I look at what’s happening in Washington right now, I don’t just see headlines. I see the ripple effects hitting our caregivers, our clients, and our communities.

What This Shutdown Really Means for Us

• Medicare & Medicaid checks will still come – but don’t get too comfortable. Delays in processing, slowed approvals, and backlogged claims can choke cash flow. For small agencies, even a 2–3 week lag can break the bank.

• Oversight is shrinking – CMS is only handling serious harm complaints. That means fewer surveys, fewer recerts, and a whole lot of “we’ll get to it later.” Sounds like relief, but it’s really a storm cloud. When the lights come back on, expect a flood of inspections and audits all at once.

• Telehealth waivers are at risk – seniors and disabled clients who rely on virtual visits may find themselves cut off. For home health, this is more than convenienceit’s lifeline access.

• Federal grants & programs are in limbo – anything tied to HHS discretionary funding may stall. Translation: if you depend on federal dollars beyond straight Medicare/Medicaid, brace yourself.

What This Looks Like on the Ground

• For Clients: More anxiety, less certainty. They’re asking, “Will my nurse show up? Is my telehealth appointment still covered?” Their stress becomes our stress.

• For Agencies: Delays. Delayed audits, delayed payments, delayed approvals. Every delay is a dent in your bottom line.

• For Workers: More pressure. Caregivers and office staff already juggle enough. Now add the weight of financial insecurity or an agency tightening its belt.

My Straight-Talk Roadmap

This isn’t theory, it’s what I’m doing in my own company and what I tell every agency I consult:

1. Cash Flow is King – Check your reserves. If Medicare pays late, can you float payroll? Don’t guess, know.

2. Talk to Your People – Staff and clients don’t need perfect answers, they need honesty. Tell them what you know, and what you’re doing to protect them.

3. Document Everything – Every call, every claim, every issue. When audits surge after the shutdown, your paper trail will save you.

4. Hold Back Expansion Moves – Now is not the time to buy three new vans or launch a new program. Be strategic. Growth can wait; stability can’t.

5. Connect with Your State – Some states backstop federal slowdowns better than others. Know your state regulators and lean in.

6. Plan for the Aftermath – When the shutdown ends, the feds come back swinging. Be ready to handle inspections, catch up on compliance, and double your communication.

The Bottom Line

A shutdown doesn’t mean care stops but it does mean the business of care gets harder. If you lead an agency, don’t panic, prepare. If you’re a caregiver, hold your head high, you are the heartbeat in the middle of all this noise. And if you’re a client or family member, know this: most of us in healthcare aren’t going anywhere. We’ll keep showing up.