Government shutdown ends but the fight for affordable healthcare continues

Editor’s Note (Dec. 18): We are resurfacing this article as Congress faces another pivotal moment on healthcare affordability. On Dec. 17, a bipartisan group of House members took the rare step of challenging their own leadership by supporting a procedural move that would force a vote on extending enhanced health insurance subsidies first expanded during the pandemic. These subsidies help keep monthly premiums affordable for millions of people who rely on coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

This development comes as House leadership advanced legislation that leaves those subsidies untouched — despite warnings that their expiration at the end of the year could result in sharp premium increases. As lawmakers prepare to return in January, the future of affordable healthcare remains uncertain, and the consequences will be felt most by working families already struggling with rising costs.

Recently, lawmakers reached a tentative agreement, a 328-page document that temporarily extends funding into the new year. This deal will replenish SNAP benefits and ensure back pay for federal employees. But it’s far from a full solution.

The most critical unresolved issue remains healthcare affordability. As part of this temporary agreement, Congress has made a “handshake promise” to revisit the extension of healthcare subsidies in December, a major sticking point for Democrats who have pushed to prevent devastating premium hikes.

Without these subsidies, the consequences are staggering. A family of four currently paying around $500 to $600 per month for healthcare could see that cost soar to over $2,100 a month in 2026. These skyrocketing premiums stem from a decade of cuts to the healthcare system — cuts driven mainly by the Republican majority in Congress.

Today’s vote in the U.S. House of Representatives could reopen the government and bring temporary relief to millions, but the fight for healthcare justice is far from over.

That’s why we’re urging you to contact your House representative and tell them to hold the line for affordable healthcare. Your voice can help ensure that working families don’t shoulder the burden of political gridlock.

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on equity for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.