An Obamacare subsidy that has helped keep health care plans more affordable is at the heart of congressional lawmakers' gridlock that's resulted in a federal government shutdown.

The shutdown started at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 as President Donald Trump and the four top congressional leaders from both parties failed to strike a deal by Sept. 30, the end of the federal fiscal year.

Democratic leaders in Congress are urging Republicans to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits as part of any government funding deal. Republicans have resisted their pitch and say talks about the subsidy shouldn't be part of shutdown negotiations.

Here's what to know about the subsidies.

What are enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits?

The enhanced tax credits were first cr

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