An estimated 3,000 plus staff at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are being called back to work starting October 27—despite the federal government shutdown—to address Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace and Medicare operations, according to multiple media reports.

With Open Enrollment for Medicare under way (October 15 to December 7) and ACA Marketplace soon to start (November 1 through January 15, 2026), demand for support and resources is high.

To help older adults as they navigate the sign-up process, access our members-only Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: What You Need to Know flyer.

We will keep members updated as we learn more about the impact of staff returns on the agency’s operations.