The anticipated spike in Affordable Care Act premiums came into focus this week as previews of 2026 coverage options showed how customers could be on the hook for thousands more dollars in costs.

Why it matters: ACA open enrollment starts on Saturday, and people looking to re-up coverage could face both higher premiums and less assistance paying them if Congress doesn't extend enhanced pandemic-era subsidies. • Republicans continue to rebuff Democrats' demands that an extension be part of a deal to reopen the government.

Where it stands: Insurers are raising the monthly premiums they charge for marketplace coverage by an average of 26% across the country, according to an analysis from KFF. • Virginia's marketplace started sending renewal notices to residents outlining premium increas

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