Are You Worried About Rising Premiums And Coverage Gaps During The US Government Shutdown? Let Free Healing Scripture Cards Bring You Hope

Are You Worried About Rising Premiums And Coverage Gaps During The US Government Shutdown?
Let Free Healing Scripture Cards Bring You Hope

I’ll never forget the moment I saw the breaking news: the U.S. government had failed to pass a budget, and a shutdown was imminent. I sank into my couch, heart pounding, the TV flickering its banner headlines: “Federal Shutdown Begins Midnight.” My hands felt clammy. What about healthcare? What about the people I love? Moments earlier I had been talking with a friend who works for a federal contractor—she’d asked nervously, “Will we still get paid? What about insurance?” The question hung in the air like a sharp echo. Outside, the wind rattled the windowpane; inside, I felt a tightening in my chest, gratitude and anxiety entangled.

I remember leaning over to the coffee table, grabbing a notepad and scribbling a list: Check health plan status. Call the clinic. Pray. I wanted to reassure her, to comfort myself, but I wasn’t sure where to begin. That night prayer became my anchor, and I whispered Psalm 23:4 in the darkness:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”

In that moment, I clung to the promise of God’s presence in turmoil. Even when the future feels murky, I’m reminded that I don’t walk alone.

Why the Shutdown Is Happening Now

To make sense of this moment, it helps to step back and look at how we arrived here. Every fiscal year, Congress must approve appropriations bills to fund federal agencies and programs. If they fail to pass those twelve budgets (or at least a continuing resolution), many operations must pause. This year, the deadline arrived on September 30, yet deep disagreements over spending levels, healthcare subsidies, and cuts in social safety net programs prevented a deal. (HIMSS)

A particularly heated flashpoint: the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, expanded in recent years, are set to expire unless extended by Congress. Republicans and Democrats are locked in a standoff—with some refusing a short-term funding bill that carries those subsidies. (The Washington Post)

In other words, the timing is especially perilous—fall open enrollment is right around the corner, so millions who rely on marketplace plans face uncertainty about their premiums and eligibility. (Medicare Rights Center)

This shutdown is not unique in our nation’s history, but it carries more weight: many agencies did not receive “pre-funding” cushions, and the possibility of more permanent cuts looms. (AP News)

The Real Impacts: Healthcare, Programs, and People

Health Programs That Endure (But With Strain)

Even in a shutdown, certain health services are considered mandatory and continue, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) payments. (AAMC)

However, the strain is real:

Telehealth flexibilities expire. Under the pandemic-era waivers, many services could be delivered remotely from patients’ homes regardless of geography. With the waivers lapsed, patients in nonrural areas may lose access, and audio-only services may no longer be reimbursed. (AAMC)
“Hospital-at-home” programs are pulled back. CMS’s waiver for delivering acute hospital-level care at home sunsets with the funding lapse; patients may have to be transferred back to inpatient settings. (AAMC)
Delays in payment processing and program oversight. Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) are instructed to hold some claims (typically 10 business days) to avoid reprocessing if Congress later extends the policies. (American Physical Therapy Association)
Expired programs. Community health center funding, National Health Service Corps, teaching health center GME grants, and other preventative or public health efforts may suspend new operations. (AAMC)

Already, the shutdown is affecting physician practices pressured to decide whether to cancel telehealth, convert to in-person, or risk nonpayment. (CMADocs)

The Premiums and Coverage Gaps Threat

Perhaps the most anxious fear: skyrocketing premiums if ACA subsidies expire. The Kaiser Family Foundation warns that termination of enhanced premium tax credits could more than double what many subsidized enrollees pay in 2026—rising, on average, from about $888 to $1,904 per year. (Medicare Rights Center)

For a family of four earning $75,000, that’s an extra $3,367 out of pocket. For others, coverage could be lost entirely. (Medicare Rights Center)

The Congressional Budget Office, White House advisors, and private analysts project that each week of shutdown could shave off $7 billion to $15 billion from U.S. GDP. (The Guardian)

Agencies are furloughing many staff. HHS expects about 41 % of its workforce to be furloughed, affecting public health, oversight, and research functions. (Reuters)

In sum: the premiums may rise, coverage may shrink, services may slow or pause—and people in need may find fewer ways to get care.

Practical Guidance in Uncertain Times

I don’t pretend to eliminate the anxiety entirely—but here are calm, concrete steps you or loved ones can take in this season:

Verify your insurance status now. If you’re on a marketplace plan, log into your account. Check whether your subsidy is in place, whether your renewal is safe, and when your open enrollment deadlines are.
Contact your local clinic or health center. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), free clinics, and community programs may be able to continue offering sliding-scale care even if federal dollars are delayed.
Check with Medicaid / state programs. In many states, Medicaid and coverage continuation may be less disrupted; confirm whether your coverage remains active or will lapse.
Talk to your provider about telehealth. If you had scheduled virtual visits, ask whether they will convert them to in-person, or whether the provider will accept delayed Medicare claims.
Reach out to your congressional representatives. Let them know this issue matters to you—coverage, access, maintaining subsidies—and ask what they are doing to prevent service gaps.
Create a personal health “plan B.” If delays occur, arrange for a backup: refill critical prescriptions early, identify urgent care clinics, keep health records handy.
Lean on your community. Prayer groups, faith ministries, mutual aid networks, and support circles can share information, pool resources, and comfort one another.

History reminds us that shutdowns eventually resolve—and operations resume. The 35-day shutdown of 2018–2019 cost the U.S. economy at least $11 billion, but once funding was restored, federal employees got back pay and many programs revived. (Wikipedia) Even so, that gap and uncertainty was real and painful.

Yes, the fears are legitimate: lost coverage, medical bills, delayed care. And I don’t dismiss anger or frustration. Yet I believe that spiritual hope can coexist with pragmatic action.

In that spirit, I’d like to share something with you.

A Gift of Healing Scripture Cards — Because You’re Not Alone

In times like this, when headlines bruise the soul and uncertainty presses in, I created Free Healing Scripture Cards — small, beautifully designed cards (digital or physical) that carry a verse of Scripture paired with a short reflection. My prayer is that each card becomes a whisper from God to your heart in dark hours.

I’m offering them freely (downloadable PDF or mailed, depending on your preference) to anyone who wants a tangible reminder that God’s promises endure beyond political shifts. Use them however brings you comfort:

Meditate on one card per morning, allowing that verse to shape your outlook for the day
Place a card on your mirror, on your bedside table, in your wallet, or beside your phone
Share a card with a friend, neighbor, or someone undergoing hardship

They won’t fix all problems—but I pray they will steady your spirit and speak hope into your anxious days.

A Benediction of Faith and Action

We do not know precisely how long this shutdown may last. Funding will sway, political power ebbs and flows—but one thing does not change: God’s care for you. Even in the valley of uncertainty, His presence remains.

Jesus said,

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

May that invitation echo for you today: bring your burdens, your fears, your unanswered prayers, and rest in Him.

In practical faith, let us pray fervently, call our representatives, support one another, and hold fast to hope. As God’s word declares,