Effects of the Government Shutdown on North Carolina Seniors
Picture of the U.S. Capitol. Source: NPR.
On October 1, 2025, the federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass legislation to fund programs and services. One of the main points of contention that led to the shutdown is expiring subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These subsidies expire at the end of the year, although the shopping time for health insurance through the ACA begins in November. The shopping time is when prices become available and people can start buying health insurance.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, often referred to as the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, is a major form of healthcare legislation that became law in March of 2010. The goal of the Affordable Care Act was to make health insurance more affordable for those between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four, this would cover an income range of $32,150 to $128,600. It also aimed to reduce the number of uninsured Americans. Congress approved expansions to subsidies in 2021, and again in 2022, led by Democratic majorities.
Public opinion surrounding the ACA has been mixed, generally aligning closely with party affiliation. According to KFF, polling from March 2022 shows that about 25% of people say the Affordable Care Act has helped, and about 20% of people say the Affordable Care Act has hurt them. Reasons people list for help from the ACA include lowering the cost of healthcare or allowing people to get healthcare. The primary reason people list as harm from the ACA is an increase in the cost of healthcare.
The possible expiration of these Affordable Care Act subsidies would make healthcare more expensive for many seniors in North Carolina. This is a particularly significant issue in a state with many seniors, many of whom struggle with health issues. North Carolina currently ranks 9th out of the 50 states for the number of people age 65 or older. This number is only expected to grow over the next few years. There are also many health issues that seniors in North Carolina face. As of 2024, 12% of the NC population 65 or older has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. As of 2020, as a state, North Carolina had an older adult food insecurity rate of 7.7%. This was the 14th-highest rate of older adult food insecurity in North Carolina.
The government shutdown itself will also hurt the senior population of North Carolina. Although Social Security checks will still be sent out and Medicare programs will continue, the senior population will likely encounter many problems due to the shutdown. Staffing shortages will make some tasks more difficult, such as mailing out Medicaid cards. Difficulties mailing out Medicaid cards will hurt others in addition to seniors. For example, a family of four that makes $3,698/month or less is eligible for Medicaid and will also suffer from staffing shortages and problems mailing out Medicaid cards.
The shutdown could also delay the Social Security Administration’s cost-of-living adjustment, which impacts the amount of money sent to Social Security recipients. Overall, the government shutdown will reduce efficiency and the availability of help for many seniors in North Carolina.
It is not yet clear if the Affordable Care Act subsidies will expire or how long the government shutdown will last. It is also unknown how severe the effects will be on the senior population of North Carolina. However, if these subsidies expire at the end of the year, many seniors in North Carolina will struggle with the higher costs of healthcare.