EYE ON GOVERNMENT
News reports that federal employees and contractors will miss their first full paycheck this weekend has spurred a flurry of rumors regarding what exactly will be impacted by these funding cuts associated with the government shutdown.
Responding to rumors that hospitals wouldn’t be seeing Medicaid patients after Nov. 1, Shannon Health spokesperson Lindy Stone said “Shannon is ensuring the government shutdown does not affect care for the patients in our community. We are still continuing to provide care for all patients.”
Another rumor started in late October claimed Walmart would be locking their doors on Nov. 1, and only taking orders online, in anticipation of riots.
This claim has been thoroughly debunked by fact-checkers and news outlets, but the misinformation persists, having moved from TikTok to Facebook to other social-media sites.
More recently, a separate rumor said a Walmart in a nearby town put signs up saying all SNAP benefits must be used by Oct. 31 or they would be lost.
Both Walmart and the USDA, who administers the SNAP program responded saying that report was not true.
Scams Being Reported
According to news reports from around the nation, criminal scams targeting citizens who may be impacted by the shutdown are increasing though.
Experts say scammers frequently take advantage of public confusion and anxiety during government shutdowns. often posing as government officials via phone, text, or email, in an attempt to gain personal information.
Fear about the status of federal benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare may cause people reveal sensitive information, but officials say they will not contact anyone in this manner regarding benefits.
According to the latest information from the Social Security Administration, Social Security checks would not be delayed, but SNAP have ceased, leaving states to decide whether or not to bridge the food-gap without federal assistance.
Food banks have been preparing for weeks trying to make sure they can help as many people as possible.
The Concho Observer will continue to monitor this developing situation, and update readers with any new information.
If you are being impacted by the shutdown, and would like to visit about how it’s affecting you, please write to us at news@conchoobserver.com.
