Raphael Warnock

The consequences for ordinary people will be that they will have to delay response to their health care.

And for many people, they will literally pay with their lives.

Republicans and Democrats appear divided over whether to continue the enhanced premium tax credits beyond December.

Those have kept Affordable Care Act plan premiums down for several years.

In a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, Republican Chair Mike Crapo of Idaho explained why he opposes extending the enhanced subsidies.

He says the enhanced subsidies paper over rising health costs and enable fraud.

Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia responded that the health care system is like a patient in the ICU.

The deadline for enrollees to pick a plan that begins next year is December 15th.

Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR News, Washington.