As Affordable Care Act open enrollment begins Saturday, Americans face steep insurance hikes with marketplace tax credits set to expire at year's end. KFF estimates average premiums could jump 114%, adding roughly $1,000 a year; experts say seven million may leave the exchanges, with up to five million losing coverage. In Utah, Stacy Cox's monthly bill would soar from $495 to $2,168, prompting plans to switch to bare bones emergency coverage. Congress remains deadlocked during a month long shutdown, even as judges ordered SNAP benefits funded and Donald Trump sought legal clarity on emergency money.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.