After Congress failed to pass a funding bill, the government shut down early Wednesday morning, which has significant implications for healthcare, including the future of telehealth flexibilities and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage.

The shutdown has sparked strong backlash from the healthcare community. Patient advocacy group Families USA, for example, criticized Congressional leaders for not extending the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits.

These enhanced subsidies (which are set to expire at the end of the year) were introduced in 2021 and lowered monthly premiums for those who buy coverage on the marketplaces. The subsidies are a key sticking point between Democrats and Republicans, with Democrats calling for an extension, while Republicans say negotiations should happen after the

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