ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia’s health care system is already under pressure, and officials warn it could soon get worse if Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are allowed to lapse.

The subsidies — which lower monthly insurance bills based on income — have helped more than 1.4 million Georgians afford coverage. Without them, patients and hospitals could face financial strain.

For Atlanta barber Javoris Brown, the subsidies are the only reason he and his son have insurance.

“If that ends, our premium goes up by $640,” Brown said.

Alexis Bell, who lives with multiple sclerosis, said losing her coverage would mean skipping the MRIs that track her disease.

“My brain could literally be breaking down — and I wouldn’t even know it,” Bell said. “I smile still. That’s all you can

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