Millions Face Rising Health Insurance Costs Amid Congress Stalemate

EDWARDSVILLE, Kansas — Dawn Wheeler, a 59-year-old resident, is anxious about her health insurance costs next year. As one of many Americans who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), she could see her premiums skyrocket unless Congress extends tax credits that were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a 43-day government shutdown, Congressional leaders reached a compromise on Nov. 10, but did not include the proposed ACA measure in the spending package. President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law soon after. Patient advocates warn that without the health care subsidies, many Americans may face significantly higher premiums.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, has promised a vote in December to extend the ACA subsidies. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to a similar action in his chamber.

Wheeler, who is battling metastatic breast cancer, explained that the outcome could affect her family’s financial stability. Without the subsidies, her monthly insurance cost could rise from $272 to $2,335, which is nearly 60% of their income. She depends on her husband’s salary as she is unable to work due to her treatment.

“I really wish the Democrats would have held out,” Wheeler said, expressing frustration over the current situation. “I still feel like our feet are getting dangled over the fire.”

Since their introduction in 2021, the enhanced tax credits have allowed millions to afford health coverage. According to the health policy organization KFF, about 22 million people could see premiums jump 114% if the tax credits are not renewed.

Sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University, noted that insurance companies may raise their premiums in anticipation of losing subscribers. “This is a serious financial hit to millions and millions of American families,” she added.

While researchers, including Robert Kaestner at the University of Chicago, acknowledge the potential consequences of losing these subsidies, they argue that estimates of millions losing coverage may be exaggerated.

Open enrollment for ACA plans began on Nov. 1. Many, like Eric and Kari Kurland, are already facing steep increases in premiums for 2026, urging Congress to resolve the matter quickly.

“There’s no doubt that this was a setback,” said Anthony Wright, executive director of Families USA. “Every day we delay causes further damage to both individual families and to our system.”