While politicians in D.C. argue over who’s to blame for the ongoing federal government shutdown, families at home should know the truth: this shutdown is primarily a cost of living fight—specifically, the cost of health care.

Come January, some 24 million Americans who get coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will see their costs skyrocket, largely because of Congress’s failure to extend ACA tax credits. One side, backed by Trump and congressional Republicans, is okay with that. The other side is not.

So here are the facts behind the expiring tax credits at the center of the shutdown:

Fact 1: Premiums Will Soar If ACA Tax Credits Expire


Out-of-pocket premiums will double, on average, for 24 million people—with the average enrollee paying $1,016 more next year if Congress doesn’t act.

Fact 2: People In Rural Counties Will Be Hit Especially Hard


Rural counties, along with counties with high cancer rates, will be disproportionately affected by the price hikes.

Fact 3: Millions Will Lose Health Coverage


Tax credits are only the tip of the iceberg: Trump is driving up health care costs across the board, reducing Medicaid coverage and making changes that, according to the CBO, could mean 15 million lose insurance.

Fact 4: The Cost of Living Is Already Unsustainable


Health care price hikes couldn’t come at a worse time: Overall cost-of-living is soaring under Trump, forcing families to take extreme measures—from taking on new debt to skipping meals—just to get by.

Fact 5: Americans Agree: Congress Should Extend the ACA Tax Credits


More than 3 in 4 people want to see the tax credits continue, including significant majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.


Americans can’t afford another price hike—much less one that would mean health care prices double for millions of families, costing them thousands of dollars each year.

Families have had enough—of price increases, of chaotic economic policy, and of attacks on our democratic institutions.