Summary
The U.S. government is in a shutdown, partly due to disagreements about extending subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. These subsidies help about 24 million people afford health insurance. Lawmakers need to decide whether to extend these subsidies before open enrollment begins on November 1.
Key Facts
- 24 million people buy health insurance through the ACA marketplaces.
- ACA subsidies are set to expire in December.
- Open enrollment for ACA plans starts on November 1.
- There is a partisan debate about when to extend these subsidies.
- Premiums could increase by 114% without the subsidies.
- The issue affects many people in states that supported President Trump.
- 78% of voters support continuing the subsidies, including many Republicans.
- If the healthiest people drop coverage due to high costs, it could destabilize insurance markets.
