Nearly 500,000 self-employed Californians could see an average monthly premium increase of $131, while middle-class families currently saving $502 per month could lose these benefits.

Low-income individuals could face premium increases from $97 to $182, and adults aged 55-64 from $186 to $365, with communities of color, especially Latinos, experiencing a 122% rise in costs.

Legislation known as President Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' (HR 1) failed to extend ACA tax credits, resulting in cuts to health care programs and risking higher premiums for Californians.

The potential loss of federal subsidies, initially introduced during the COVID pandemic, is a primary reason for the projected premium increases for Covered California enrollees.

California Governor Gavin Newsom warns that without federal action, health care costs for Californians could nearly double starting in January 2026 due to recent federal legislation and the shutdown.

If Congress fails to restore health care tax credits, nearly 2 million Californians could face an average premium increase of 97%, with some costs more than tripling, significantly impacting their ability to afford coverage.

The ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1, is preventing Congress from passing a resolution to fund the government and extend these crucial health care subsidies.

Open enrollment begins on November 1, and if premiums double, an estimated 400,000 Californians might drop their coverage to manage expenses.

Governor Newsom is urging Congress to act immediately to prevent these steep premium hikes and to end the government shutdown.

For individuals like college student Michael Lee-Chang, whose premiums could rise from $900 to $1,300, the financial impact could be severe, including cutting back on essentials.

Retiree Desiree Brannon, who has multiple medical conditions, faces the risk of losing her coverage entirely if subsidies end or costs rise, causing significant anxiety.

Failure to extend funding and tax credits threatens to reverse California's progress in reducing uninsured rates, despite a record enrollment of nearly 2 million this year.