Americans are facing a perfect storm of rising health insurance costs due to the government shutdown. The longest government shutdown in history has left many without affordable health insurance options, forcing them to adjust their budgets and consider drastic measures. Insurers are raising monthly premiums, citing that healthier people will leave the marketplaces as prices become more expensive.
For those with lower incomes, subsidies remain intact, but for others, costs will increase significantly. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) initially capped annual insurance spending at 400% of federal poverty level, but this cap is set to expire at the end of the year. Fewer than 10% of marketplace enrollees will lose access to these caps.
The situation has sparked outrage among Americans, particularly those in their 50s and 60s, who are facing steep premium increases based on age. Some have reported monthly payment jumps of over 150%. Those with higher incomes will also see their costs rise, with some paying thousands of dollars more per year. The government shutdown is leaving many struggling to make ends meet, forcing them to consider drastic measures, such as relocating abroad or delaying life-saving medical treatments.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/11/10/obamacare-aca-premiums-rising-shutdown