As a government shutdown looms, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to furlough nearly 32,500 workers, impacting 41% of health agency personnel. Major health programs will continue, but many programs, including the UMass hospital-at-home initiative, may face significant disruptions. The Trump administration has outlined its shutdown plans, indicating that while firings will be permitted, ongoing training will not be. The impending shutdown raises concerns about access to critical health services for patients, highlighting the potential consequences of political gridlock in Washington.