| Millions of Americans who buy their own health insurance are facing higher premiums next year. Just how much higher is the central question in the standoff that’s shut down the federal government. At issue are the subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans in the form of enhanced tax credits put in place by Democrats in 2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. That made insurance through program, commonly known as Obamacare, basically free for many of the 21.8 million people got subsidies this year. But those expire at the end of the year with the credits scheduled to reset to their original, less-generous levels. Independent estimates suggest that the jump in out-of-pocket expenses for many who get the subsidy could be substantial. For example, a family of four making $130,000 a year might see their monthly costs rise from $921 a month to $1,716 a month, according to a KFF calculator. Democrats in Congress are refusing to vote for a stopgap funding bill to keep the government operating unless extending the extra subsidies are included in the legislation. Republicans, who argue that the enhanced tax credits were always meant to be temporary, want to pass a temporary spending bill now and negotiate on the tax credits later. They point out the subsidies don’t expire until the end of December, which is technically true. But people start shopping for Obamacare insurance plans on Nov. 1, and many will get notices this month about how much their monthly payments are set to rise. Read More: Democrats also are demanding that Republicans reverse Medicaid cuts they passed this summer and limit President Donald Trump’s control over how federal money is spent. Republicans haven’t been eager to entertain either of those asks. There’s been little progress in negotiations to end the shutdown, which appears likely to extend into next week. With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House, the spending bill is Democrats’ main leverage point. And with the cost of healthcare a potent political issue for both parties, the standoff gives Democrats a chance to highlight it heading into next year’s midterm congressional elections. Some insurance officials fear that surging premiums could push many people without employer-provided plans or access to other government health programs to go without coverage. If lawmakers don’t reach a deal before Nov. 1, said North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread, “healthy folks are going to probably chance it and walk away.” — Rachel Cohrs Zhang | 
