While not a news breaking blog, when interesting and timely information comes my way – it is for the sharing. This from my colleague Kip Piper of The Piper Report.
This is, of course, in the event that the Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution in time to become law for October 1, there are some specifics – via Kip – regarding how CMS and FDA might be affected. There are functions that have been deemed essential functions that will continue – and still others that have separate funding that will not be affected. From Kip:
- Sixty-five percent of CMS will be placed on unpaid leave which comes to 3,881 of 5,994 staff.
- Federal Medicaid and CHIP funding continues due to an advance appropriation received. Medicaid and CHIP are mandatory programs with annual appropriations whereas Medicare does not have such an appropriation);
- Medicare will continue largely without interruption if the shutdown remains in the short term – a longer term shut down could impact operations;
- Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation grant programs are not affected;
- Forty-fuive percent of FDA staff will be on furlough;
- Most FDA drug and device related functions will continue since they are largely funds through fees;
- Critical consumer protection functions will be continued on a select, priority basis with examples being public health emergencies, high risk recalls, import entry review and civil and criminal investigations;
- Most FDA activities on food safety, nutrition and cosmetics stop, including routine inspections and monitoring
- And large portions of the Affordable Care Act will continue.
Thanks Kip!
