Selina Simmons-Duffin

The enhanced premium subsidies that have kept costs down for enrollees expire at the end of the year.

Without them, costs are going up.

For Amy Jackson of Butler, Missouri, her premium is going from under $300 a month to $1,250.

She's not sure congressional lawmakers understand.

You know, for them, $1,000 is probably nothing.

It's probably what they blow on dinner.

But for me, that's half of my wage.

She has breast cancer and is trying to get as much treatment as possible into this calendar year.

She's been calling her representatives and telling them that people like her need help now.

Selina Simmons-Duffin, NPR News, Washington.

Their premiums might be significantly higher.

And that is because something called enhanced subsidies that Congress first passed in 2021 are expiring.

And that extra help to buy health insurance is something that millions of people have relied on in the last few years.

In fact, 24 million people have these plans.

They're small business owners, farmers, ranchers.

And as open enrollment begins this year, the federal government is shut down.

And these subsidies are a central issue.

Empire's Selina Simmons-Duffin reporting.

This goes back to a 2021 law that created enhanced premium tax credits.

Those run out at the end of December unless Congress acts.