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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Open enrollment for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace is now underway for more than a million Georgians, but this year comes with added uncertainty.

The tax credits that help make coverage affordable may not be extended, leaving many residents unsure about their health care costs.

64-year-old Gareth Finley currently qualifies for a monthly premium tax credit under the ACA, which helps keep her insurance within reach.

But this week, Finley was stunned to see her monthly premium had doubled. Her $1,200-per-month tax credit may or may not continue, a decision now in the hands of Congress.

“I think the U.S. has amazing health care, but the financing system for it is just kind of bizarre and broken,” Finley said.

According to Georgians for a Healthy Future, nearly 1.5 million Georgians rely on ACA tax credits. 93% of those enrolled in the marketplace depend on the subsidies to keep coverage affordable.

Finley expressed concern about the broader impact of rising costs on hospitals and rural communities.

“When hospitals can’t afford sustaining emergency rooms, they’ll end up closing — especially in rural areas like where I live,” she said.

The debate over ACA tax credits has become central in the ongoing government shutdown. Democrats stress the urgency of extending the subsidies.

Senator Jon Ossoff said in a statement, “Today, Senate Republicans again blocked a bill to fund the Federal government and prevent massive increases in health insurance premiums. More than 20 million Americans will see their health insurance premiums double next year without Congressional action, while President Trump continues to refuse to work on a solution.”

Republicans argue the pandemic-era subsidies were intended to be temporary and that continuing them could benefit higher-income households.

However, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has signaled willingness to negotiate with Democrats on a new healthcare plan, posting that she is “absolutely disgusted” that insurance premiums could double if the credits expire.

Finley said the credits are essential.

“I can’t see our country sustaining our health care system and economy without it,” she said.

Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15. Experts warn that if Congress does not act before the end of the year, thousands of Georgia families could lose coverage or face unaffordable premiums early next year.

Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – As a U.S. District court awaits response from the executive branch on how they plan to at least partially fund SNAP, the Atlanta Community Food Bank told Atlanta News First they are dealing with “unprecedented” demand.

CEO Kyle Waide said they are currently serving around 250,000 families a month and expect that number to increase.

“Demand was already high before the shutdown,” Waide said. “We have not seen this kind of confluence of really dramatic demand that is part of the economic picture, plus a disruption created by the shutdown, plus a lot of pressure on our resources, all happening at the same time.”

Waide said the shutdown is putting pressure on their inventory. Their partner food pantries are busier than ever.

“I think it’s admirable that they’re stepping up,” Georgia NAACP President Gerald Griggs said. “I’m glad that non-profit organizations are stepping up, but this is why we pay our taxes.”

Griggs believes the onus is on Gov. Brian Kemp and the General Assembly.

“This is one of those situations where state and local have to act because the federal government has abdicated its responsibility to Georgians,” he said.

Griggs wants Georgia to dip into its $14 billion surplus to temporarily fund SNAP.

The governor said he won’t do that because the state wouldn’t be reimbursed for that money.

Kemp, who blames Democrats, said the one and only viable solution is to reopen the government.

“We’re hopeful that they’ll find a way to get the government open soon. In the meantime, we’re going to do everything we can to put our arms around the neighbors who need us,” Waide told Atlanta News First.

Waide said the best way you can help the food bank is by replenishing their reserve funding with a financial contribution.

Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.