Government shutdown to increase healthcare insurance prices in California

(FOX40.COM) — U.S. Representative Ami Bera held a press conference on Wednesday in Sacramento, urging the House of Representatives to reconvene to pass a bipartisan agreement to reopen the federal government and extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Video Above: Government shutdown latest with neither side shown signs of making a deal

Covered California, a healthcare insurance marketplace established by the ACA, announced it is expecting to see an increase in its insurance premiums if the federal government continues its shutdown, failing to act on legislation by the end of the year.

“At a time when so many Sacramento County families are struggling to pay their rent, mortgage, or put food on the table, to then get hit with the double whammy of these increases makes no sense,” Bera said.

Bera said that these subsidies included in the ACA are critical to keeping healthcare affordable for 24 million Americans, including 28,000 residents in California’s Sixth Congressional District.

As Covered California’s renewal period begins on Oct. 15, Californians are already being notified of increased health insurance premiums. Bera explained that without congressional action, families will have to decide whether to face the increased healthcare insurance prices or go without coverage.

In his statement, Bera specifically called on Speaker Mike Johnson, “Let’s get back to the negotiating table. Let’s reopen the government. Let’s make sure our troops get their pay and salary increases. And let’s get the government working again.”