Stalemate in Congress puts ACA subsidies, and millions of Americans, at risk

Des Moines, Iowa — Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill remained at a standstill Thursday over how to reopen the government. Democrats claim they won't budge until health insurance subsidies due to expire at the end of 2025 are extended, while Republicans are calling on Democrats to reopen the government, and then they will discuss the issue.

For Lori Hunt of Des Moines, Iowa, the debate isn't just numbers; it's about her ability to stay healthy and alive.

Hunt says she "couldn't afford" health insurance without the subsidies she receives through the Affordable Care Act.

"I'd have to cancel my insurance," Hunt told CBS News, joking that her insurance would consist of "thoughts and prayers."

"That's pretty much it, that's all I have," she adds.

Hunt survived breast cancer three years ago and was laid off from her job earlier this year. Without the federal help, she says her ACA premium would jump to about $700 per month.

"It would be more than my mortgage payment," Hunt said.

The tax credits were authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. The number of people who enrolled in ACA marketplace health insurance plans doubled from 11 million in 2020 to more than 24 million in 2025, largely because of those subsidies, according to KFF Health News.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 3.8 million Americans won't be able to afford health insurance without the tax credits by 2035, including two million by next year. Without the credit, the average ACA premium would double by about 114%, KFF Health News says.

"When people lose health insurance, it can mean significant financial debt," said Sabrina Corlette, director for the Center for Health Insurance Reform at Georgetown University. "...It also means that people are waiting to the last minute to get necessary care, often ending up in our emergency rooms."