Dear Friend,

The cost of living is too high. Delawareans are already feeling the squeeze from higher prices on food, energy, and housing. The last thing they need right now is higher health insurance premiums. But that’s what’s about to happen – and you deserve to know why.

For years, the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits have kept premiums down for millions of Americans. If these tax credits are allowed to expire at the end of this year, premiums are going to skyrocket. With open enrollment starting on November 1^st, the average American may see their premiums more than double!

This is a catastrophe waiting to happen. 16,000 people in Delaware could lose those tax credits, and about 5,000 of them could lose their coverage entirely. I’ve heard from so many Delawareans about what this will mean for them. Families will be forced to make impossible choices to make ends meet. Will they pay for insulin or pay the electric bill? Will they go to chemotherapy or go to the grocery store? No one should ever have to make those choices.

I’ve been working to find solutions with both Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House and Senate because, ultimately, this issue affects folks in all 50 states. What’s missing in this moment is leadership from President Trump and Speaker Johnson. Now is the time for us to put partisan politics aside and work together to fix this health care crisis. The American people cannot afford to wait.

As we work to reopen the federal government and restore health care for millions of Americans, please know that help is available. Governor Matt Meyer has launched de.gov/federalshutdown to help Delawareans with food, unemployment, child care, and more. You can also call 2-1-1 to connect directly with local assistance.

We are now in the third week of this government shutdown, and congressional Republicans still refuse to fix the health care crisis they created. After asking you last week to share how you’re being impacted by the shutdown and the high cost of living, I’ve heard from so many Delawareans about the challenges they're facing.

Today, I’m sharing what Cynthia from Newark told me. Cynthia works at her family’s business, which has been serving Newark for over a century. She also gets her health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Cynthia wrote, “My premium is poised to almost double, and it’s a pretty basic plan to begin with. If that happens, there’s a good chance I will not be able to afford healthcare. This is insane. It shouldn’t be this hard to stay afloat.”

Cynthia is right. It shouldn’t be this hard to afford health care. That’s why my Democratic colleagues and I are fighting so hard to ensure people can get the care they need without breaking the bank.

How have the shutdown and the high cost of living impacted you? Please click here to share your story.

Please note that your stories may be used on the Senate floor, on social media, or with the press.

As a result of the shutdown, many federal agencies will be closed or have reduced operations. While my Delaware and Washington, D.C. offices may have limited capacity, we will do everything we can to serve you. 

CLICK HERE for shutdown-related information. My team will continue to update this page as the situation develops.

[NEW] Governor Matt Meyer has created THIS LIST of state-based resources for federal workers and families affected by the shutdown.

Please find responses to some frequently asked questions below:

What is a government shutdown? 

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass annual appropriations legislation or a Continuing Resolution (CR) before the beginning of a fiscal year on October 1^st. The temporary gap in funding means federal agencies and employees are unable to carry out their usual duties or must do so on an unpaid basis for as long as the shutdown persists. As a result, many federal programs and services experience interruptions and delays during a government shutdown. 

Will Senator Blunt Rochester’s offices be open? 

My offices in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and Washington, D.C. will remain open. Staff will not be able to arrange Capitol tours or fulfill flag requests. You may still submit new casework requests on our website, but please note that our team will have a reduced ability to assist you, as many federal agencies will be closed during the shutdown.

CLICK HERE to submit a request to our casework team.

• You can reach our Wilmington office at (302) 573-6291.  
• You can reach our Dover office at (302) 674-3308.  
• You can reach our Georgetown office at (302) 856-7690. 
• You can reach our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-2441.  

How will this affect me? 

• Social Security and SSI payments will continue. However, new claims may not be processed, and questions may not be answered during the shutdown. 
• Medicare benefits will continue uninterrupted. However, new Medicare cards will not be issued, and new beneficiaries may not be accepted into the program until the shutdown ends. If you’ve been receiving telehealth-based care through Medicare, your appointments may be rescheduled or moved to in-person. 
• The United States Postal Service (USPS) will continue to be fully operational. 
• You should prepare for delays at the airport. TSA, CBP, and air traffic controllers will be working without pay and/or with reduced staff for the duration of the shutdown. 
• Military and federal law enforcement will also be working without pay during the shutdown. 
• VA medical facilities will remain open, several Veterans Benefits Administration programs will continue, and burials will take place at VA national cemeteries during the shutdown. However, VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
• WIC may run out of funding soon. As a result, recipients may find that money has not been issued on their electronic benefit card as expected. 
• SNAP benefits are expected to be disrupted only in the event of an extended shutdown. 
• National parks and federal museums may close and will have reduced services. Please check the website of the facility you are looking to visit for specific guidance. 
• Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs, such as the Pell Grant and the Direct Loan program, will not be impacted. Student loan payments will continue to be processed during the shutdown. 
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) will not accept, review, or approve any new business loans for the duration of the shutdown. 
• Regional Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offices will close. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will remain operational until further notice, but with reduced capacity. This may affect your ability to obtain or refinance a mortgage through the FHA. 
• USDA’s Farm Service Agency will not implement or process several programs critical to farmers, including disaster assistance program payments related to extreme weather and direct loans.  

If you are experiencing any disruptions, please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance.

Contact me