Healthcare Premiums Skyrocket After Government Shutdown Fails to Extend Tax Credits

The Open Enrollment period for Affordable Care Act plans is under way until January 15, 2026. However, the recent government shutdown ending without an extension of premium tax credits is leaving many Americans scrambling for affordable options. With the increase in monthly premiums, the Congressional Budget Office estimates as many as 40% of currently covered Americans will drop medical coverage all together. Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Dr. Katherine Hempstead, Senior Policy Advisor at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation about affordable options in a time of crisis and how universal health care reform could help keep us all healthier.