Obamacare premiums will rise 20 percent on average nationwide next year, according to KFF. The increase comes as Congress stalemates over whether to extend COVID-era premium subsidies for the wealthy, a disagreement that has contributed to the ongoing government shutdown. Many consumers are already starting to see more of the full cost of Obamacare as open enrollment approaches.

In a new statement on these developments, head of Cato Health Policy, Michael F. Cannon says:

“This is not a health insurance sticker shock—it’s Obamacare sticker shock. The CBO estimates that Obamacare doubles premiums for most enrollees. Disappearing subsidies mean more consumers are finally seeing the full cost of Obamacare—and they don’t like it.”

To speak with Cannon on this issue, please feel free to contact Emily Salamon at esalamon@​cato.​org