About 400,000 Californians could find it difficult to afford health coverage from their Obamacare plans next month as subsidies expire and premiums skyrocket.

And chances are shaky Congress will provide much help before Jan. 1, even as an unpredictable election year looms.

Lawmakers are scheduled to be in session this week and next before leaving for the year.

The Senate is expected to vote Thursday on a Democratic plan to extend the subsidies for three years. In the House, bipartisan groups are pushing plans that would provide a two-year extension.

There are huge obstacles to getting anything done. The Senate plan is expected to fail, since it needs 60 votes and Democrats control 47. Republican leaders have been cool to any extension, and senators Monday were circulating alternatives.

See Full Page