Health care subsidies expire with millions of Americans now facing steep insurance hikes

With the window to select and change plans still ongoing until Jan. 15 in most states, the final effect on enrollment is yet to be determined - (Getty Images)

Americans are bracing for steep health insurance price increases after enhanced tax credits that helped reduce the cost expired overnight.

Democrats forced a 43-day government shutdown over the issue affecting the vast majority of Affordable Care Act enrollees. Moderate Republicans called for a solution to save their 2026 political aspirations. President Donald Trump floated a way out, only to back off after conservative backlash.