The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended two and a half weeks ago.

Federal workers are back on the job, but one of the biggest fights that fueled that shutdown remains unresolved.

The enhanced subsidies that help millions of people afford health plans on the

Affordable Care Act marketplaces are set to expire at the end of this year. Meanwhile,

open enrollment for 2026 coverage is underway. The deadline for the start of the new year is December

15th, and many of you say your health insurance costs are on the rise.

I currently use the ACA for my health insurance as I have no other options and I have many chronic conditions which require health insurance.

I currently pay under $500 a month, but if all subsidies are ended, starting in January 202626, I will be paying over 2,100 a month.

This is appalling, and I need some help with this, as do millions of other Americans.

My husband and I have this insurance, and we absolutely love it.

It's the only way we can do what we love to do. I'm a sign

language interpreter and he is a stained glass artist. We are unable to sign up for health care at the

moment because when you look right now our prices have doubled, actually tripled. We can't afford

to keep it. So we're waiting to see what it's going to be

after, you know, they decide what to do in a week or two. And honestly, I'm just looking for jobs

online, getting ready to get some menial job where it offers insurance because we have no other

option. And that's our story. Thanks for those calls.

As part of the shutdown deal, Republican Senate leaders promised Democrats a vote on extending

health care tax credits by mid-December. But the politics haven't changed. So what's the likelihood

that the extension will get through the Senate, clear the House, or get President

Trump's signature. Today, a check-in on the ACA's health insurance marketplaces and what happens next.

I'm Jen White. You're listening to the 1A podcast. Stay with us. We've got a lot to get to.

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