An order from President Donald Trump to temporarily block the disbursement of most federal grants and loans could have a massive impact on health programs ranging from those addressing HIV and AIDS to maternal health and services for older Americans.
The announcement, which created exceptions for direct-aid programs such as Medicare and Social Security, sent shock waves through Washington and state governments Tuesday, with stakeholders scrambling to understand the impact of the freeze on programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program, nutrition programs for seniors, public health programs and much more.
The uncertainty is amplified by a communications pause the Trump administration put on federal agencies, leaving even state governments in the dark.
