Former President Barack Obama is campaigning for Democratic candidates as the government shutdown continues, with looming increases in Obamacare premiums adding urgency to the political landscape.
Former President Barack Obama is back on the campaign trail this weekend, aiming to bolster support for Democratic candidates facing critical elections. He will join Representatives Abigail Spanberger of Virginia and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, both of whom are running for governor in their respective states.
Obama is scheduled to appear with Spanberger at Old Dominion University in Norfolk on Saturday morning before heading to Newark for a get-out-the-vote rally in support of Sherrill later in the day. This marks a significant return for Obama, who remains one of the most recognizable figures in the Democratic Party.
His renewed presence comes at a time when the nation is grappling with a prolonged government shutdown, which has significant implications for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as “Obamacare.” As the shutdown continues, Democrats have made it clear that they will not agree to reopen the government without extending subsidies for the ACA, which are set to expire in December.
Since its inception, Obamacare has provided subsidies in the form of tax credits for health insurance premiums based on enrollees’ income levels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress enacted enhanced premium tax credits in 2021, which were extended by the Inflation Reduction Act through the end of 2025. However, these subsidies are now caught in the political crossfire of the ongoing shutdown.
In a recent floor speech, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York emphasized the stakes involved, stating that failure to extend the ACA premium tax credits could lead to devastating increases in costs for many Americans. He noted that an average couple aged 55 making $85,000 a year could see their premiums triple to $25,000 annually if the subsidies are not renewed.
“That is all Democrats want to fix. We are on the side of the people. The people know it and want it and need it,” Schumer asserted.
When Obama signed the ACA into law in 2010, he promised it would reduce costs for families, businesses, and the federal government, projecting a deficit reduction of over $1 trillion over two decades. He expressed confidence that in ten years, people would look back and recognize the law as a positive step forward.
However, more than a decade later, Republicans contend that Obamacare has failed to deliver on its promises. They argue that it has led to higher insurance premiums and diminished healthcare quality. Senator Rick Scott of Florida criticized the ACA, stating, “Obamacare was sold on a lie. The costs have skyrocketed.”
Scott pointed out that many Americans have lost their preferred doctors and health plans, contrary to the assurances made by Obama. He also highlighted the supposed savings that never materialized, claiming families were promised a $2,500 reduction in costs that did not occur.
Currently, approximately 24 million Americans are enrolled in health insurance plans through the ACA, with open enrollment for 2026 set to begin on November 1. Insurers are notifying members of impending premium increases for the upcoming year. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that health insurance premiums through the ACA exchanges are projected to rise by an average of 26% in 2026. In states operating their own ACA exchanges, the average benchmark silver tier premium is expected to increase by 17%, while states utilizing Healthcare.gov are facing an average rise of 30%.
The Congressional Budget Office has indicated that extending the expiring subsidies could add roughly $350 billion to the deficit through 2035. Meanwhile, reports suggest that average premiums for Obamacare plans are set to rise by 30% next year.
As Obama steps back into the political arena to support Democratic candidates, he may also find himself defending his legacy amid the ongoing government shutdown and the financial pressures it has placed on federal agencies.
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