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10h ago

Shutdown Fight Over ACA Subsidies Intensifies as Premium Spike Warnings Grow

Democrats insist extending pandemic-era ACA tax credits to avert premium spikes, facing Republicans who refuse to link that step to ending the shutdown.

Democrats just might have the upper hand in the shutdown fight
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 16: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) (L), accompanied by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) (R), speaks during a news conference to call on Republicans to pass Affordable Care Act tax breaks on Capitol Hill on September 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. Democratic Senators joined Protect Our Care and advocates to call on the GOP to protect health care for Americans and stop premium hikes. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
With the government shutdown now in its third week, a sign turns away tourists at the entrance to the Capitol Visitor Center, in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Travelers wait in line for screening at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, La., Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Overview

  • The impasse has entered a third week with Democrats holding out for an extension of enhanced marketplace credits before passing a funding bill.
  • Republican leaders say discussions on health care can occur after the government reopens, with no detailed replacement plan publicly outlined.
  • States and marketplaces report notices of sharp 2026 premium increases, with analyses warning many consumers could see costs more than double if enhanced credits lapse.
  • Roughly 24 million people use ACA marketplace coverage, most benefiting from the boosted credits, and KFF estimates most enrollees live in states President Trump won in 2024.
  • Federal outlays for ACA premium tax credits totaled about $111 billion in 2023 and are expected to exceed $120 billion in 2024, contributing to roughly $800 billion since 2014.