Democrats weigh which pain is greater: A shutdown or skyrocketing Obamacare premiums

Feds Face Double Hit as Shutdown Enters Third Week, While Obamacare Premiums Skyrocket

The Trump administration is intensifying its push to punish federal workers by extending the government shutdown, with the goal of wearing down Democratic opposition. However, Democrats are steadfast in their refusal to back down, citing a far more alarming prospect: skyrocketing healthcare premiums that will leave millions struggling to afford essential coverage.

"We have a heart and a soul," said Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., whose district is home to over 40,000 federal workers. "I understand that this is really tough for a lot of people." Yet, Democrats insist on keeping the shutdown going to prevent an even greater crisis: the expiration of subsidies under Obamacare, which would send premiums soaring for millions of Americans.

The stakes are high, with roughly 24 million people facing possible premium hikes or losing coverage altogether. "All of the different kinds of pain inflicted by the administration have converged into a general onslaught against the people," said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.). Democrats acknowledge that federal workers' pain is real, but they argue it pales in comparison to the permanent damage caused by failing to extend subsidies.

The math is clear: without these subsidies, many marketplace participants would lose eligibility for credits or see them halved. The White House has rejected calls to extend the subsidies until a deal can be reached on reopening the government.

While President Trump has shifted some funds to alleviate the immediate pain of the shutdown – including aid to low-income families – this action also removes pressure on Republicans to act. Democrats say it's time for their opponents to join them in addressing the looming healthcare crisis, which could have devastating long-term consequences.

"We can't afford to wait," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). "This is not a blue state issue; it's just that Democrats happen to care about saving health care."

omg 24 million ppl are gonna get hit hard with those premium hikes it's like the gov't is playing a cruel game of Russian roulette with people's lives. i mean, i feel for the fed workers and all but come on, prioritize the ppl who need healthcare subsidies the most

I feel bad for the gov't cuz they're in a tough spot . Both sides are right, I guess. On one hand, we gotta be careful with our spending & make sure we're not setting a bad precedent. But on the other hand, 24 million ppl can't afford healthcare & that's just not fair . It's like, what's more important? Getting re-elected or making sure people have health insurance? I don't know, but I do know we need to find a way to solve this problem ASAP . And yeah, Rep Pramila Jayapal makes some great points - healthcare is just plain good for the country .

man I feel so bad for those 24 million ppl who are gonna get hit hard with these sky rocketing healthcare premiums it's like the gov't doesn't even know how much of an impact this is gonna have on people's lives. and y'know what's crazy? they're already feeling the pain from the shutdown, but democrats are trying to make them understand that this is a whole different level of crisis altogether...i mean i get it, ppl don't want to give in, but come on, let's talk about the bigger picture here

Ugh I'm so done with this government shutdown . It's like they're trying to make federal workers' lives even harder than they already are. And now Obamacare premiums are going through the roof? Forget it, who can afford healthcare anymore? 24 million people are in a precarious situation here... what's next, just let them all go uninsured and see how that turns out for everyone?

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing... Shutdown, premiums, subsidies... it all feels like a big mess . Can't the government just get its act together? Like, how hard is it to find a compromise? It's not like they're asking for much, just some stability and security for the people who are affected by this shutdown . And what really gets me is that we're talking about millions of Americans who could lose their coverage or see their premiums skyrocket . Can't we all just try to find a way to work together for once? It's not too much to ask, right?

oh man this is so frustrating !! federal workers are already stressed out and the shutdown is like, dragging on forever . but honestly what really gets me is the impact on people who can't afford healthcare already . like millions of ppl could lose coverage or see their premiums skyrocket and that's just not right .

i feel for Rep Sarah Elfreth saying we have a heart and soul, but it sounds like the republicans are playing with fire here . extending subsidies is super important for people who need healthcare assistance . can't they just put their differences aside for once?

and what's up with the White House rejecting calls to extend subsidies until a deal is reached on reopening gov? that just seems like more drama and less urgency. Rep Jamie Raskin makes some good points about this being an onslaught against the ppl, but I think he's right too