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13h ago

Shutdown Standoff Hardens Over ACA Subsidy Extension

Public pressure grows following warnings that premiums could spike for millions.

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)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 09: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) addresses a prayer rally on the ninth day of a federal government shutdown in the courtyard of St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill on October 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. The federal government remains shut down for the ninth consecutive day after Congress and the White House failed to negotiate a deal on extending pandemic-era health care funding. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Democrats say they will not pass a funding bill without extending the pandemic-era ACA premium tax credits to avert premium hikes.
  • Many Republicans reject an immediate extension and call for broader reforms, but leaders have not presented a unified replacement plan.
  • Marketplaces have notified millions that health premiums are expected to rise next year, with GOP-leaning states especially dependent on the subsidies.
  • Polling shows broad support for keeping the enhanced assistance, strengthening Democrats’ leverage in the budget fight.
  • Negotiators are discussing options such as restoring income limits on eligibility or grandfathering current enrollees while restricting future subsidies.