Covered California premiums could double as federal aid expires amid shutdown

As the U.S. government shutdown reaches day 27, California officials warn that healthcare premiums could spike for nearly 2 million residents enrolled in Covered California. The pandemic-era expansion of Affordable Care Act subsidies is set to expire this year unless Congress acts. Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman says premiums could rise an average of 97%, affecting at least 400,000 people. Democrats want to extend the subsidies, while Republicans call for a temporary fix. Open enrollment begins November 1, despite uncertainty over the program’s future.