How Affordable Care Act subsidies became a sticking point in the government shutdown

As the federal government shutdown enters its tenth day, one major health care issue has continued to be a sticking point: insurance subsidies. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, or premium tax credits, help lower or eliminate the out-of-pocket cost of monthly premiums for those who purchase insurance through the health insurance marketplace. Eligibility for the subsidies can include factors such as household income and geographic location. The subsidies were part of the original Affordable Care Act passed during the Obama administration and were enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase the amount of financial assistance to those who were already eligible and to expand eligibility to more people. They are set to expire at the end of the year. Republicans have said the expans