Rise in Health Care Premium Prices Concerns Many D.C. Residents, Leaders

November 12, 2025

Following the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, Washington D.C. residents face mounting anxiety over rising healthcare costs and potential cuts to the Affordable Care Act, which the Senate plans to review in December. The expiration of enhanced Obamacare tax credits on December 31st threatens to increase premiums by 25-30% for approximately 4,400 District residents, potentially leaving millions of low-and-middle income Americans nationwide without medical insurance. D.C. regulators have approved 2026 health insurance rates showing increases of 8.

Who is affected

Approximately 4,400 Washington D.C. residents who purchase insurance through DC Health Link
Millions of low-and-middle income Americans nationwide who rely on Obamacare tax credits
Federal workers affected by the government shutdown
Low-income and disabled adults who depend on Medicaid
Mary Blackwell, a 68-year-old retired kindergarten teacher from Southeast D.C.
Small business owners and sole proprietors (seven out of ten people with lower premiums in D.C.)
District residents who lost Medicaid eligibility
Americans 65 and older on Medicare
Residents not eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance

What action is being taken

U.S. Senate is working to reopen the federal government after voting 60-40 on a federal funding agreement
Open enrollment for health care plans is running (started November 1, runs through January 31)
D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking is reviewing health insurance rates and approved 2026 rates on September 29
The DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority launched the Healthy DC Plan on November 6
Politicians in the House and Senate are debating health care premiums
DISB is protecting D.C. consumers from unfair pricing and discriminatory coverage
Purvee Kempf's agency is keeping the public informed about Congressional changes

Why it matters

This matters because the expiration of Obamacare tax credits could cause millions of Americans to lose medical insurance by January 1st, with premiums potentially rising 25-30% for those who remain on ACA plans. For vulnerable populations like retirees, unemployed individuals, and small business owners operating on tight budgets, these increases represent the difference between maintaining necessary healthcare coverage and going without medical insurance entirely. The situation demonstrates how federal policy decisions directly impact Americans' ability to access basic healthcare services, potentially leading to widespread illness and death among uninsured populations. The healthcare coverage crisis also highlights broader systemic issues about whether healthcare should be considered a right or privilege in America, affecting individual financial stability and public health outcomes across communities.

What's next

The Senate is expected to review the ACA issue in December
Congress may pass a bill extending Obamacare tax credits before the December 31 expiration date
Open enrollment for individuals and families through DC Health Link continues until January 31
The DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority will keep the public informed of any changes made by Congress
Residents are encouraged to shop for health plans and contact the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority for assistance with plan selection

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer