Premiums rise as ACA open enrollment begins

The window for signing up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is now open through Jan. 15, with most Texans expected to pay considerably higher premiums, The Texas Tribune reported. Federal subsidies that reduced premium rates will expire at year’s end without congressional action.

The government shutdown is now entering its second month. Democrats say they will not vote to reopen the government unless the subsidies are extended. Republicans say they will not consider extending the subsidies until the government is reopened.

Nearly 4 million Texans signed up for ACA coverage during the last enrollment period, a number that health experts predict will drop by as much as one million if the subsidies end.