ACA Open Enrollment Causing Sticker Shock for Millions, Congress Must Act

Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans began on November 1, and people shopping for coverage have seen a drastic spike in coverage costs nationwide. This is from a combination of the largest rate increases since 2018 and Congress’s failure to extend premium tax credits that helped people afford coverage. These factors are doubling the price tag on average for consumers.

Congress still has the option to extend critical tax credits that help 22 million people buy ACA plans. But damage is already being done to consumer confidence and sticker-shocked shoppers may not come back later.

Enhanced Tax Credits Expiring, Triggering Shutdown
In the partisan 2025 budget bill—HR 1—Republicans in Congress declined to extend tax credit enhancements that have been in place since 2021.

House and Senate Democrats point to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that at least 4.2 million people will be uninsured as a result and have pledged not to end the government shutdown unless Republicans agree to address the expiring tax credits. While there are reports of bipartisan negotiations going on behind the scenes, so far, there has been little public movement.

https://www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/2025/11/06/aca-open-enrollment-causing-sticker-shock-for-millions-congress-must-act