"Carin Lenk Sloane never considered moving abroad before, never imagined she even would. Sloane is one of roughly two million Californians who buy insurance through Covered California, the state's marketplace - and one of many who could see steep price hikes now that Congress has ended the shutdown without striking a deal on health care."
"The Trump administration refused to extend the enhanced federal tax credits that have kept monthly premiums affordable. Instead, GOP lawmakers have suggested replacing the subsidies with flexible spending accounts that would help people pay for health care costs directly. Even if the couple gambles with their health, they will each have to pay California's $900 penalty for not having coverage. "It's incredibly disheartening to think that at this moment, it feels like our government and our country doesn't care about middle-class workers, or people who are self-employed," she said. California has allocated $190 million from the state budget to help reduce premiums for lower-income residents, but that won't come close to filling the gap. "That funding will make a difference," said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California, "but it will not replace the $2.5 billion in annual federal funding that we are at risk of losing.""
About two million Californians purchase insurance through Covered California and face steep premium increases after federal enhanced tax credits were not extended. The loss of federal funding shifts costs onto enrollees and has prompted GOP proposals to replace subsidies with flexible spending accounts. Some residents confront major monthly premium jumps, including one example rising about 60 percent from roughly $400 to $650. California allocated $190 million to help lower-income residents, but that will not replace approximately $2.5 billion in annual federal funding. Some people may drop coverage, incur state penalties, or consider leaving the country.
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