Democrats Scramble to Save Obamacare as Government Shutdown Drags Into Fourth Week

Democrats are focusing on a critical deadline in the ongoing government shutdown that could soon affect millions of Americans’ access to healthcare. However, the fiscal standoff, now entering its fourth week, shows no sign of ending.

November 1 marks the start of open enrollment for Obamacare, officially known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats have warned that if the government does not act soon, health insurance premiums could soar for millions of Americans who rely on the program. The concern centers on enhanced Obamacare subsidies that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Extending those subsidies has become Democrats’ central demand in the budget fight. They have refused to back any spending bill that doesn’t include an extension.

“In just a matter of a week or so, tens of millions of Americans are going to wake up to the reality, because of the open enrollment period beginning on November 1st, that their premiums, co-pays, and deductibles are about to explode,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) during a Thursday press conference.

Jeffries warned that without action, “everyday Americans could be paying $1,000 or $2,000 more per month” for coverage. “Many people will have to go without seeing a doctor. The Republican healthcare crisis grows more urgent by the day,” he added.

Jeffries rejected suggestions that Democrats are using healthcare as leverage in the shutdown. “Our position is not about strategy,” he said. “What we’re focused on as Democrats is making a difference in the lives of the American people.”

Still, the approaching enrollment deadline has become a pivotal moment in the political battle, one both parties are closely watching.

Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-SD) accused Democrats of playing politics, telling Fox News Digital, “It looks like they’re trying to keep the government shut down long enough to get past the enrollment deadline so they can have the political issue.” Thune added, “If they want to argue about the failure of Obamacare, bring it on.”

In some states, like Connecticut, open enrollment for the ACA has already begun. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said the ticking clock adds pressure to reach a deal on subsidies, but not necessarily to reopen the government without firm guarantees.

When asked if Thune’s promise to hold a post-shutdown vote on subsidies was enough, Blumenthal replied, “The answer is a resounding yes. Thune is not the final decision maker here. I have no trust in Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) or President Donald Trump. That’s why we need an iron-clad, airtight guarantee, not because it’s an ego thing, but because people are buying their health.”

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) added that failing to act before November 1 would make the situation harder to fix. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t fix this before Nov. 1. It gets harder, but not impossible, to fix after that,” Murphy said.

Another major deadline is also looming. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as food stamps, could run out on November 1, affecting more than 42 million Americans.

The Trump administration has warned states that unless a funding deal is reached, SNAP benefits may stop. Republicans have accused Democrats of risking the program for unrelated political gains. Democrats, however, argue that the administration could tap into a $5 billion emergency fund to prevent disruption.

“There are clear steps the administration can and must take immediately to ensure that millions of families across the country can put food on their tables in November,” said Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) and Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) in a joint statement. “Choosing not to ensure SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a gross dereliction of responsibility to the American people.”

As the government shutdown drags on, both healthcare and food assistance for millions of Americans hang in the balance, and the political blame game shows no sign of slowing down.

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Joseph Johnson

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