Why Obamacare funding is a sticking point in the fight to avoid a government shutdown

WASHINGTON — A pot of funding for insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act expires at the end of this year, and Republicans in Congress are rejecting Democrats’ demands to extend it this month in a government funding bill. Expiration of the funds would lead to sharp premium hikes for people all over the country. While they officially expire after the last day of 2025, there is some urgency to act soon: Insurers are filing their rates over the next few weeks, and open enrollment be