BREAKING: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has accused Democrats of deliberately shutting down the government to address a healthcare crisis they “created.” This urgent situation unfolded on October 1, 2023, when Democrats refused to support a Republican-led continuing resolution (CR) that excluded crucial extensions for Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire on December 31.
Leavitt’s comments came during a press briefing where she emphatically stated, “The Democrats were holding our country hostage to try to negotiate on a healthcare system that they created.” She pointed to the ACA, enacted in 2009, as a major contributor to rising healthcare costs. “It has driven up healthcare costs dramatically in this country,” she added, emphasizing that the shutdown is an irrational response to a problem they caused.
Healthcare expenditures have skyrocketed since the ACA’s passage, with national spending rising from $2.6 trillion in 2010 to $4.9 trillion in 2023, marking an 88% increase. Per capita healthcare spending has also surged, climbing from $11,150 in 2010 to $14,500 by 2023.
In a related development, former President Donald Trump suggested via Truth Social that direct payments to Americans’ health savings accounts could alleviate medical expenses and improve healthcare access. “If Democrats get their way again, they’re in for another HUGE payday at the expense of the American People,” Trump warned, highlighting the tension between party lines over healthcare policy.
A recent report from the Paragon Health Institute criticized the Democrats’ subsidies, arguing they penalize work and could prompt employers to drop coverage altogether. Initially capped for households earning between 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level, these subsidies saw significant changes under Biden, who removed the income cap and increased government contributions through the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act.
In a surprising turn, eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans to reopen the government without the ACA subsidies included in the amended CR. The House is expected to vote on the new funding bill later tonight, with the legislation then heading to President Trump’s desk for final approval.
Looking ahead, Senate Republicans have agreed to schedule a vote on ACA extensions in December, contingent on Democratic cooperation. As this situation evolves, the ramifications for American healthcare and government operations remain critical. The public is urged to stay informed as these urgent negotiations continue.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
