The Government has Reopened: What Does This Mean for People with Diabetes?

As of November 13, the United States government is open again. President Trump signed a budget bill on the evening of November 12, officially ending the nation’s longest-lasting government shutdown in history. 

The government now has funding to run until January 30, 2026. 

What does this mean for people living with diabetes?

What returns to normal for people with diabetes?

Many people with diabetes and their families were affected by the six-week shutdown. It is a relief that it has come to an end. Most notably, crucial health services and nutrition programs that were paused have started again.

Several key programs are now funded, including:

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is now funded through September 2026 and feeds over 42 million people per month.
• Telehealth flexibility for Medicare, allowing seniors to access health care virtually.
• Funding for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), which carry out research for cures, treatment and prevention for diabetes.

Additionally, nearly one million federal workers were working without pay. At least 670,000 more were furloughed and 1.3 million active duty and over 750,000 National Guard and reserve personnel were required to serve, many without pay. 

Many of these families were directly and indirectly affected by the costs of diabetes, and will now have their pay reinstated (and receive back pay). 

What happens next?

All regular functions of the government should return to normal, which is great ahead of a busy holiday travel season for millions across the country. 

However, the bill passed to reopen the government did not include Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies (also known as tax credits), which make health insurance more affordable for 22 million people. These are set to expire at the end of the year.

This may harm people affected by chronic diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), who rely on affordable health insurance for their care. Without these tax credits, monthly costs for health insurance are set to spike in 2026.

This could result in many people choosing to go without health insurance, which can be dangerous for someone living with diabetes.

Congress is set to vote on the future of the ACA subsidies in mid-December. In addition, the Trump administration is developing a new policy that may extend the ACA subsidies for two years.

The new policy, which has not yet been announced, is likely to include a new, lower income cap for the tax credits as well as a minimum on monthly payments for coverage. This will make fewer people eligible for the tax credits, but not do away with them completely. 

Many questions remain, including the framework of future ACA tax credits and the future of federal funding for diabetes cures and prevention programs.

What can we do now?

It is important to continue sharing your story. Call or email your elected officials about any concerns you have. Remember, they work for you! While the government is now funded through the end of January, we may be facing a similar situation in February. 

It is important to continue to make sure your voice is heard.

Also, it is open enrollment season. If you haven’t yet, sign up for health insurance either with your employer, through your parents’ health insurance, or on the Health Insurance Marketplace. 

Even if ACA plans are set to spike, it is more costly (and risky!) to go without health insurance, especially if you live with diabetes. If you’re having trouble affording your insulin, there are resources out there to help you. 

You can also join the Beyond Ambassadors program from Beyond Type 1 and share your story. You can talk about the importance of standing up for people with diabetes, and about the programs, research dollars and the healthcare we need to stay healthy.