Maria Virginia Sy

'Life or death issue' - US government shutdown raises alarm over risks to healthcare

Article (news)

Reuters Wires

The U.S. government shut down much of its operations on October 1 after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement to extend funding past the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30. The primary sticking point in the government shutdown standoff that entered its 13th day on Monday is the impending expiration of health insurance subsidies that will impact what millions of people pay for health insurance. In Washington, D.C., retired caregiver Jeanne Weaver is actively campaigning for healthcare funding, meeting with lawmakers to both prevent cuts and extend the subsidies. &quot;Every person is going to feel a hurt to their insurance,&quot; Weaver said in an interview with Reuters last week. The lawmakers have not voted in favor of a proposal put forward by Senate Democrats to extend the subsidies. However, the senators are talking with the White House and Democrats about a possible way to address the surge in health insurance costs. Some Republicans said failure to resolve the issue could become a liability in the 2026 midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. The effects on the shutdown are also evident in furloughed employees like FDA union worker Anthony Lee, who is facing financial strain and uncertainty over backpay. &quot;It&#x27;s lawlessness to not pay federal employees after a shutdown,&quot; Lee asserted. In Philadelphia, mental health technician Charlotte James is witnessing the effects of reduced psychiatric services firsthand all while advocating to urge Congress to address these critical issues (Production: Julio-Cesar Chavez, Kevin Fogarty, Gerardo Gomez)

The primary sticking point in the government shutdown standoff that entered its 13th day on Monday, October 13, is the impending expiration of health insurance subsidies that will impact what millions of people pay for health insurance.

The primary sticking point in the government shutdown standoff that entered its 13th day on Monday, October 13, is the impending expiration of health insurance subsidies that will impact what millions of people pay for health insurance.

'Life or death issue' - US government shutdown raises alarm over risks to healthcare

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

World

'Life or death issue' - US government shutdown raises alarm over risks to healthcare

Reuters

Published Oct 15, 2025 11:58 AM PHT

Read More:

USA

government shut down

health care

Medicaid

federal employees

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.