Affordable Care Act subsidies in peril amid prolonged government shutdown
Rising Concerns Over Health Insurance Subsidies
SAN JOSE, Calif. — As the government shutdown continues into its second week, individuals who rely on health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are expressing growing concerns. This includes those enrolled in Covered California, a state-run marketplace for health coverage. The issue at hand is the potential expiration of federal subsidies, which could lead to significant premium increases for thousands of people.
Three Democratic members of Congress recently held a news conference in San Jose to draw attention to the possible consequences of inaction. They emphasized the urgency of addressing this matter before it affects more families.
Small-Business Owners Face Financial Challenges
Small-business owners, such as Josephine Aranda, are particularly worried about the financial implications if these subsidies lapse. Aranda shared her concerns, stating that the impact would be substantial. “It’s going to be a big increase. So that’s very significant financially. So we are thinking of what do we do now?” she said.
This sentiment reflects the broader anxiety among small-business owners who are already navigating the complexities of running their businesses while managing rising operational costs.
Lawmakers Highlight the Stakes
During the news conference, lawmakers outlined the potential consequences for families in their districts. Rep. Zoe Lofgren highlighted a specific example: a 60-year-old couple earning less than $83,000 a year in her district could face a more than $26,000 increase in premiums if the subsidies expire. “We can’t have that,” Lofgren stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Stalled Negotiations on Capitol Hill
Despite the urgency, Democrats reported that there have been no meaningful negotiations on extending the health care subsidies. Rep. Sam Liccardo noted that he has had conversations with over a dozen Republicans in recent days. “I understand there are some of them that want to get this tax credit extended. So let’s figure out how we can get there,” Liccardo said.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta added, “This is going to come to a head where they’re going to have to answer to their constituents. They should be answering to it right now by coming to the table right now and protecting health care and lowering costs for all Americans.”
Some Republicans Open to a Deal
Not all Republicans are opposed to finding a solution. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., who represents the 3rd District, expressed support for seeking common ground on health care to help end the shutdown. “There’s going to need to be a deal on that issue. That’s my belief,” Kiley said. “If we can start to come to the terms of that deal now, or at least start talking about it, that can itself provide a pathway out of the shutdown. I don’t know why we wouldn’t at least explore that possibility.”
Impact on Community Clinics
Community clinics are also concerned about the potential effects of higher premiums. Nancy Rodriguez, an enrollment supervisor with Gardner Health Services, mentioned that they are encouraging patients to continue seeking coverage. “We’re encouraging patients to still continue to come in and get a quote from the experts,” she said.
What’s Next for Consumers?
For consumers like Aranda, the uncertainty is causing significant stress. She mentioned that she may need to find a job that offers employer-sponsored insurance if nothing changes. “We don’t want a big change if we don’t have to. And hopefully it’s going to work out,” she said.
The open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act and Covered California runs from November 1 through January 31. This window provides an opportunity for individuals to review their options and make informed decisions about their health coverage. However, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding subsidies adds an extra layer of complexity to this process.
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