Advocates warn Granite Staters could face tough choices if health care tax credits end

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

Health care advocates in New Hampshire are warning that if Affordable Care Act tax breaks are not continued, some Granite Staters could lose their health coverage because of high premiums.

The fight over extended subsidies for people who have health coverage through the ACA is the main sticking point in the federal government shutdown. Democrats say any bill to end the shutdown must include the tax credits, while Republicans say the issue can be discussed once the government is reopened.

For those who are eligible, the tax credits lower the price of monthly insurance premiums, making health care more affordable. The tax credits were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the number of people who were eligible for them was increased.

While the future of the tax cr