As shutdown continues, key deadlines approach for healthcare and travel

The calendar pages keep turning, but the government doors remain locked. What began as another Washington standoff on October 1 has now become one of the longest government shutdowns in modern US history. For Americans over 60, this isn’t just politics—it’s beginning to affect daily life, healthcare choices, and peace of mind.

While Social Security benefits continue as usual and Medicare services remain largely unaffected, ripple effects are spreading to areas that matter deeply to older Americans: travel delays, food assistance programs, and healthcare decisions that can’t wait for political compromise.

The current standoff: Where things stand today

About 1.8 million federal employees are affected by delayed paychecks as the shutdown continues. Lawmakers remain divided over what should be included in a funding bill to reopen the government.

Some Democrats want to include provisions that extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and address Medicaid funding, while many Republicans favor passing a short-term “clean” bill first and returning to healthcare debates later.

A few Senate Democrats have joined Republicans in supporting a funding measure, but the votes still fall short of the 60 needed to move legislation forward.

Meanwhile, the administration has paused several federal infrastructure projects and implemented workforce reductions, moves officials say are aimed at managing costs during the shutdown as both parties continue to negotiate.

Also read:Government shutdown impacts Social Security offices nationwide—what beneficiaries need to know

Key dates to watch

October 22 – Shutdown becomes one of the longest in history

The shutdown tied the 1995–1996 closure as the second-longest in US history on Tuesday. If it continues into October 23, it will officially take second place at 22 days—behind only the 35-day shutdown of 2018–2019.

October 24 – First full paychecks missed

Federal workers are set to miss their first full paychecks on Friday, October 24, if the government remains closed.

Depending on their agencies, the next pay periods fall between October 24 and October 30. In total, about 1.8 million civilian employees could see their pay withheld if the shutdown lasts through the month.

October 25 – President Trump departs for Asia

President Trump is scheduled to leave Washington on Saturday, October 25, for a multi-country trip across Asia. If no agreement is reached before his departure, the shutdown could extend until his return.

Trump’s participation is viewed as essential to ending the impasse, and he must sign any funding bill to reopen the government. The trip is expected to conclude at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in South Korea on October 31 and November 1, where he is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

October 31 – Next military paycheck due

Members of the armed forces received their October 15 pay, but uncertainty remains about whether funds will be available for their next paychecks on October 31.

At Trump’s direction, the Pentagon adjusted its budget to ensure the earlier payments went out. House Speaker Mike Johnson has since called that measure a “temporary fix,” warning that continued delays could affect the nation’s 1.3 million active-duty service members.

October 31 and November 5 – Congressional staff paychecks

Senate staffers missed their first paychecks on October 20 and will miss the next round on November 5 if the shutdown continues. House aides, who are paid monthly, are at risk of missing their October 31 checks.

Also read: Don't let the government shutdown cost you: What you need to know about tax extension deadlines this October

November 1 – Healthcare open enrollment begins

November 1 marks the start of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Lawmakers see the date as an important deadline, since expiring healthcare subsidies could affect millions of Americans shopping for 2026 coverage.

Without congressional action, some consumers may face higher premiums, according to research from KFF. Discussions continue in Congress over whether to address healthcare provisions as part of the funding bill or in a separate measure once the government reopens.

November 1 – Head Start funding at risk

If the shutdown continues, an additional 135 Head Start centers across 41 states could lose funding, affecting roughly 65,000 children. Several programs serving about 6,500 children have already been operating without federal support since October 1.

November 5 – Shutdown breaks the record

If the government remains closed until November 5, it will become the longest shutdown in US history, surpassing the 35-day 2018–2019 closure that stemmed from border wall funding disputes during President Trump’s first term.

November 21 – Thanksgiving travel begins

As millions prepare to travel for Thanksgiving, the ongoing shutdown could bring renewed challenges for the nation’s air travel system. Around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers continue to work during the closure, even as pay remains delayed.

During the 2019 shutdown, similar circumstances contributed to longer lines and staffing strains at several major airports.

November 24 – Congressional holiday recess

Members of Congress are scheduled for a Thanksgiving recess beginning November 24. If the shutdown continues past that date, lawmakers are expected to return to Washington for sessions in early December.

Also read: What a shutdown could mean for the 2026 Social Security COLA—seniors may face delays

What this means for older Americans

Social Security checks and Medicare coverage remain unaffected, but travel plans, healthcare decisions, and family assistance programs may face disruptions. Head Start closures, in particular, can affect grandparents providing childcare.

Meanwhile, open enrollment for ACA coverage moves forward regardless of the shutdown, making it crucial for those nearing Medicare eligibility to review options carefully.

Also read: Major housing program faces shutdown amid serious fraud concerns

Looking ahead

Political observers suggest the shutdown could stretch into November unless either party faces enough pressure to compromise. The upcoming health-insurance enrollment period and holiday travel rush may push negotiators toward a deal, but as of now, both sides remain firm in their positions.

For seniors, the most important takeaway is to stay informed and focus on what remains stable. Social Security and Medicare continue uninterrupted, and essential safety services are still in operation despite the broader gridlock in Washington.

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Key Takeaways

• The federal government shutdown began on October 1 and, as of October 22, has reached its 22nd day, tying the 1995–1996 shutdown as the second-longest in US history.
• Roughly 1.8 million federal employees are affected by delayed paychecks as Congress remains divided over funding and healthcare policy provisions.
• Key upcoming dates include November 1 for Affordable Care Act open enrollment, November 5 when the shutdown would become the longest on record, and November 21 marking the start of Thanksgiving travel.
• Essential services such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ healthcare, and air traffic operations continue, though some programs like Head Start and WIC could face funding challenges if the shutdown persists.

Have you experienced any service delays or disruptions due to the shutdown? Share your story in the comments below—your experience could help others navigate this uncertain period.