Beginning Saturday, Americans will be able to log into the federal Affordable Care Act exchange and choose their insurance plans for next year.

Nov. 1. has been a key date in the shutdown fight, as Democrats have long argued that if the enhanced federal subsidies aren't renewed by that point, the impact on consumers will be dramatic. Millions of people will see major price hikes on their plans.

The ACA's window-shopping period started Wednesday, revealing the extent to which expiring tax credits will drive up monthly premiums.

The health research nonprofit KFF said the average increase in premiums for ACA plans will be 26 percent next year. The amount of people who pay for coverage, however, will rise by 114 percent on average.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found in a new

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