The US government shutdown has entered its second month, causing delays in SNAP benefits and health insurance premium increases, with political stalemate and legal battles intensifying the crisis and impacting millions of Americans' basic needs.
A new report highlights that the average family job-based health insurance premium has risen to nearly $27,000, marking a 6% increase in 2025, with costs outpacing wages and inflation, and concerns mounting over rising drug and hospital costs, especially amid ongoing federal shutdown and potential Medicaid cuts.
The debate over extending COVID-era health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act highlights a flaw in the law: it wasn't generous enough to make plans affordable for many Americans, leading to political battles that could cause significant premium increases and coverage losses if subsidies are rolled back. Democrats want to maintain the expanded subsidies to keep insurance affordable, while Republicans seek to cut costs and reform the program, risking higher premiums and reduced coverage for millions.
Millions of Americans face significant increases in ACA premiums and potential loss of subsidies in 2026 due to policy changes and rising healthcare costs, which could lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses and a decline in enrollment, with political debates ongoing about extending more generous tax credits.