How the government shutdown could affect health care costs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The federal government shutdown has left thousands of workers furloughed, left millions of Americans facing food insecurity and could lead to rising health care costs.

The Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan organization that tracks policies related to health care and research, estimates premiums under the Affordable Care Act could rise by nearly 30% next year.

That insurance includes the government-funded Passport Health Plan, which has allowed people like Jason Allen gain stability in his life.

He called it a lifeline.

“I'm benefiting because I don't have to pay any premiums because I'm on dialysis going on my 13th year,” he said. “It's kind of hard to maintain employment being I have to be at dialysis three times a week for four hours on end, and then after th