Medicare taxes unless an ex- emption applies from one of the totalization agreements in force between the United States and several other nations. The Social Security Administration publishes the complete texts and ex- planatory pamphlets of the totalization agreements, which are available by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visit

sh=t down. A few financial regulators, however, such as the Securities and Ex=hange Commission, has remain open. (Small parts of) Soc=al Security: The Social Security Administration has retain a skeleton staff to make sure the checks keep goi=g out. But the agency won't have enough employees to do things lik= help recipients rep