WASHINGTON, D.C. – Open enrollment for 2026 health insurance under the Affordable Care Act has begun, overshadowed by a fierce congressional deadlock over extending the law’s enhanced premium subsidies. Without these subsidies, which are set to expire in December, millions of Americans face the prospect of steep increases in their health insurance premiums for the coming year.

According to an analysis by the health policy research group KFF, the average monthly premium for the benchmark plan on healthcare.gov is projected to soar by 30% if the current enhanced subsidies lapse.

Political Standoff Threatens Affordability

The subsidy impasse is tied up in the broader political fight in Congress.

Democrats are insistent that any federal funding package passed must include an extensio

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