Congress Nears Obamacare Deadline as GOP Rejects Deal During Shutdown

GOP Delays Talks on ACA Credits

Republican leaders in Congress are refusing to include an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits in negotiations to end the government shutdown, insisting there’s still time to handle the issue later.

“That is an issue for the end of the year. Dec. 31 is when that expires,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Friday. “So, Congress has three months to negotiate that. Certainly, we could work on it in the month of October to find some consensus to figure that out.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rising Premiums Loom for Millions

But experts warn that delaying could have immediate effects. Premiums for ACA marketplace plans are being finalized now, with open enrollment beginning Nov. 1 in most states. If insurers assume the tax credits will lapse, premiums could more than double within weeks.

A new analysis from the nonprofit KFF shows that Republicans may face political fallout if subsidies expire. Of the 24.3 million ACA enrollees, 77%—or 18.7 million—live in states won by Donald Trump in 2024. The study also found that 78% of adults across parties believe Congress should extend the enhanced credits. Elijah Mears / Unsplash

Voters Across Party Lines Support Extension

According to KFF, support for keeping the subsidies spans the political spectrum: 92% of Democrats, 82% of independents, and 59% of Republicans want the credits renewed. Roughly four in ten respondents said they would blame Trump and congressional Republicans if the tax credits lapse. The White House / Wikimedia

GOP Holds Firm During Shutdown

Despite these warnings, Senate Republicans remain steadfast. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said ACA credits cannot be discussed until the shutdown ends.
“There are discussions going on with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, but at some point they have to take yes for an answer,” he said.

Thune added he wasn’t sure there were enough votes in the GOP caucus to renew the subsidies, originally expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Democrats Blame GOP for Impasse

Democrats argue Republicans are prioritizing politics over public welfare.
“Republicans would rather shut down the government than address a health care crisis,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). “Because Republicans have refused to save the health care tax credits that millions rely on, costs are about to more than double for families across the country.” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn Images

Years of Subsidy Expansion Drove Historic ACA Growth

The Biden administration’s expansion of ACA subsidies helped achieve record enrollment for four straight years, reaching nearly 24 million in 2025. Adam Schultz / Wikimedia

Deadlock Continues

As of Friday evening, Senate Democrats voted down the GOP’s fourth attempt to end the shutdown. Thune was unable to secure additional votes for a seven-week funding extension. Kendall Hoopes / Pexels