First Obamacare price increases hit Idaho plan enrollees as tax credit negotiations stall

Last month, Democrats in Congress refused to support a government funding extension bill over concerns some Americans would see major price increases in their health insurance premiums due to the impending expiration of tax credits that help lower-income Americans afford coverage.

Now, 23 days into the shutdown, some Americans are starting to see those fears realized.

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance marketplace in Idaho began Oct. 15, making it the first state in the nation to allow consumers to sign up for plans while the tax credits remain in limbo.

According to Pat Kelly, executive director of the states ACA exchange Your Health Idaho, gross premiums for health insurance plans are up an average of 10% versus last year. But net premium costs the amount cons