Even with the government open, millions of Americans could see their healthcare costs skyrocket

"Millions of Americans could see their health insurance premiums climb by a staggering average of 75% next year. Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies - which lower the cost of marketplace coverage for middle- and low-income households - are set to expire December 31. And, without a healthcare spending agreement from Congress, it's likely they won't be renewed. With open enrollment underway for those plans, Americans could be facing a new round of insurance sticker shock."

"Passed in 2021 under the Biden administration, the expanded tax credits boosted the amount of relief that Americans on marketplace plans could receive. Over the past decade, marketplace enrollment has jumped from 11 to over 24 million. This is partially because the enhanced subsidies were available to middle-income Americans up to 400% of the poverty line - which is $128,600 for a family of four - making marketplace plans more affordable."

"Extending these ACA tax credits has been a key goal of Democrats, contributing to the stalemate at the heart of the recently-ended government shutdown. While the government reopened on November 12 after a record 43 days, lawmakers failed to take action on the subsidies, although the deal reopening the government provides for a fresh debate over them next month. They also didn't reverse President Donald Trump's changes to Medicaid, another goal for Democrats."

Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that lower marketplace premiums are set to expire December 31, potentially increasing average premiums by about 75% in 2026. The expanded tax credits, enacted in 2021, extended assistance to households up to 400% of the federal poverty line — roughly $128,600 for a family of four — and contributed to marketplace enrollment growth from about 11 million to over 24 million. Lawmakers did not renew the subsidies during the recent government shutdown negotiations, and the reopening deal delayed substantive action. President Donald Trump's Medicaid changes remain in effect. Many low- and middle-income Americans may face higher out-of-pocket costs and reduced access to coverage next year.

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