Federal Government Shutdown — Updates

Because the United States Congress did not pass a law to fund the federal government by September 30, a federal government shutdown began on October 1. The shutdown will continue until a bill to fund the government is passed by Congress and signed into law by the president. 

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is closely monitoring the shutdown and impacts to families, the workforce, and system partners. 

Many benefit programs, including Wisconsin’s Medicaid and FoodShare programs, are run jointly between the federal government and the states.

• Members of BadgerCare Plus or a Wisconsin Medicaid program are still covered and can continue to get the care and services they need to protect their health.
  • For any updates regarding BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid, go to dhs.wi.gov/medicaidnews or search “Wisconsin Medicaid news” in your internet browser.
• The federal government has said that there is not enough funding to provide another month of food benefits unless the government reopens.
  • FoodShare:
    • Although no November benefits will be issued, FoodShare members may use any benefits currently on their QUEST card in November.
    • The shutdown will need to end before members can start getting new benefits again.
    • To be clear, benefits that are already on their cards will not be removed because of the shutdown, and members can continue to use their current benefits like normal during the shutdown.
    • After the shutdown ends and there is federal funding for FoodShare again, the Department of Health Services (DHS) will work as quickly as possible to start issuing benefits again.
    • For ongoing FoodShare updates, go to dhs.wi.gov/fsnews or search “Wisconsin FoodShare news” in your internet browser.
  • Wisconsin WIC:
    • Wisconsin WIC is currently available, and based on what we know today, November benefits will be available.
    • During the government shutdown, WIC members can use their WIC benefits, attend WIC appointments, and do not need to take any action.
    • If there are changes to the availability of WIC funding and benefits, DHS will let WIC members, partners, and providers know as soon as possible.
    • WIC members should contact their local WIC agency with any questions.
    • Any Wisconsinite who needs additional food or infant formula for their house or family can reach out to 211 for information and referrals to local services.
      • Anyone can use 211 to get help by:
      • Dialing 211 or 877-947-2211.
      • Visiting their website at 211wisconsin.communityos.org. Through the website, people can search for services or chat with someone online who can help.
      • Texting their ZIP code to 89821.

DCF will continue to monitor the length of the shutdown and changes in regular shutdown procedure for any developments that could result in impact to program participants, contractors, and vendors and will share information as it becomes available.