Monday marks the beginning of the work week and Day 27 of the federal government shutdown, which affects all but the most essential services, as President Donald Trump remains in Asia until Thursday, Oct. 30, for trade negotiations.

But all eyes are on Saturday, Nov. 1, when government funding for food assistance benefits for approximately 42 million people will end and open enrollment for Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans begins.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - the largest food aid program in the nation - as well as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), posted a notice on its website on Friday, Oct. 24 saying federal food aid will not go out on Nov. 1.

“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA notice said.

Currently, more than 24 million Americans are enrolled in ACA plans, also known as "Obamacare and without the federal subsidies, which began during the pandemic, the average out-of-pocket premium payments are expected to double, from $888 a year to $1,904.

Republican-majority states like West Virginia, Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas saw record numbers of residents sign up for ACA coverage in 2024 because of the tax benefits—a statistic that’s caught the attention of GOP leadership in several red states.

Health care policy remains a key sticking point in the shutdown for Democrats, who are pushing to extend tax credits set to expire at the end of the year. Trump and Republicans continue to argue that the issues can be debated after the shutdown is over.

Is the federal government still shut down?

Yes, the federal government remains largely shut down and has been since just after midnight on Oct. 1.

More than 700,000 federal workers have been furloughed, while nearly as many are working without pay. Employees deemed essential to public safety, including military personnel, law enforcement officers, border patrol and air traffic controllers, are required to work regardless.

While Trump signed an executive order directing the Pentagon to ensure active-duty military personnel are paid despite the shutdown, this doesn’t apply to all federal workers required to work.

What do Democrats and Republicans want for the government to reopen?

Democrats are pushing to ensure tax breaks for 24 million Americans who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act and have refused to back a government spending bill that doesn’t address the issue.

The Senate Dems want to make the tax break permanent, which would otherwise expire at the end of the year, and provide reassurances to prevent the Trump administration from temporarily withholding funds.

Republicans and the president say they are open to considering a fix for the expiring ACA tax breaks, but want the issue addressed separately from the ongoing budget impasse.

What happens to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid?

The Social Security Administration will continue to issue retirement and disability benefits but will furlough 12% of its staff and pause marketing campaigns, according to the agency’s shutdown plan.

Payments will likewise continue under the Medicare and Medicaid health programs.

Does the U.S. mail get delivered?

The U.S. Postal Service is open because it does not depend on Congress for funding, USPS said in a statement.

What about the airports?

Over 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are required to show up for work during the shutdown, and neither group is expected to be paid until Congress approves a budget deal.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Saturday, Oct. 25 had 22 “triggers” that indicated shortages of air traffic controllers, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” program.

“That’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin,” Duffy said.

Will food aid continue under SNAP and WIC?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s largest food aid program, and helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, posted a notice on its website on Friday, Oct. 24 saying federal food aid will not go out on Nov. 1.

What does a shutdown mean for the military?

Trump signed an executive order earlier this month directing the Pentagon to ensure active-duty military personnel are paid despite the federal government shutdown.

However, roughly 55% of the Defense Department’s 740,000 civilian employees have been furloughed, including those involved in training, procurement, and administrative support. Civilians working in cybersecurity, medical care, weapons systems maintenance, intelligence and logistics are still working and are not included in Trump’s order to pay active-duty personnel.

National Guard forces that Trump has deployed to U.S. cities must also continue to work.

What about Homeland Security, immigration and border officers?

Only 5% of the Department of Homeland Security’s 271,000 workers have been furloughed, including those involved in research, planning, training and auditing.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Oct. 16 that more than 70,000 sworn law enforcement officers across the department, including those serving in Customs and Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration and other critical mission areas, will be paid for all hours worked during the shutdown.

This story has been updated with new information.

Contributors: USA TODAY’s Joey Garrison, Melina Khan, Kathryn Palmer, Zachary Schermele, Saman Shafiq; and Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is the federal government still shut down? Here's what to know on Monday, Oct. 27.

Reporting by Terry Moseley, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect