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Government shutdown continues, Georgians raise concerns over Affordable Care Act
MACON, Ga. (WPGA) - Lawmakers continue to debate over government funding, and health care and insurance remain a top argument.
Politicians have different views on the Affordable Care Act and expanded premium assistance. It’s important to note that this assistance was already set to soon expire millions of people at the end of the year.
Democrats want the aid extended. On Wednesday, Georgia Democrats assembled a panel of individuals in an online press call who claim to depend on that coverage. That panel includes Teresa Acosta, a single mother of three.
“My youngest has type 1 diabetes; there is no cure for it. He requires a lot of medical care, a lot of medication, insulin, plus all the pump supplies he uses to manage the disease. None of that is free. It doesn’t matter what insurance plan you have, that all costs money,” said Teresa Acosta.
Acosta adds that not knowing the future of the Affordable Care Act is even more concerning for her. Acosta says her monthly premiums are just under $200 for medical and an additional $145 a month for dental and vision.
“The notion that we can wait till Dec. 31 to figure this out. That’s not plausible for most families that I know. I need to know now what to expect in January. I know that’s not how D.C. works, but that’s how my family works,” Acosta said.
Some Republicans believe the subsidized health care system is broken. WPGA also spoke with Republican and Middle Georgia Congressman Austin Scott.
“1.25 million Georgians receive that subsidy. It is an average of $44 a month per person. So the idea that if the $44 a month of credit to the contract goes away, that people are going to drop their coverage, I disagree with that assumption that they are making,” said Rep. Scott.
Scott says that he believes Democrats are misrepresenting the issue. Scott highlighted that insurance companies will soon be raising their cost.
“What is happening, that I do think is a problem, is that the insurance companies and their filings have filed for an average of a 20% rate increase next year. That 20% rate increase on the premium as a whole is why people are going to be either changing their coverage’s from say a silver plan to a bronze plan,” said Rep. Scott.
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Military paychecks and park access in question due to federal shutdown in Central Georgia
MACON, Ga. — As the federal government shutdown enters its second week, the effects are hitting home in Central Georgia — from missed paychecks at Robins Air Force Base to closed park gates in Macon.
Rep. Austin Scott (R) says more than 3,800 civilian workers at Robins Air Force Base have already been furloughed, while more than 5,000 active-duty service members stationed there could miss their next paycheck if the shutdown continues.
“When you take the area surrounding Robins Air Force Base, and all of the counties in Central Georgia, there’s an extreme economic impact,” Scott said during a press conference Tuesday. “You have almost 10,000 people that will not receive a paycheck in the next week if the senators don't stop this nonsense.”
Scott, alongside House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R), blamed Senate Democrats for blocking a continuing resolution that would fund the government at current levels. He also warned the shutdown is affecting Georgia’s largest industry — agriculture.
“The Farm Service Agency offices — they’re not going to be open for our farmers to get their marketing assistance loans until the government is open again,” Scott said.
Democrats are pushing back, accusing Republicans of stalling legislation that would not only fund the government, but also prevent what they call massive increases in health insurance premiums.
Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) released a statement Monday.
“Today, Senate Republicans again blocked a bill to fund the federal government and prevent massive increases in health insurance premiums," the statement read. "More than 20 million Americans will see their health insurance premiums double next year without Congressional action.”
Ossoff added that he’s still willing to work with his Republican colleagues to end what he called an “unnecessary crisis.”
The ripple effects are being felt beyond military bases and Capitol Hill.
In Macon, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is closed until further notice due to the shutdown. That includes its visitor center store — a primary source of revenue for the nonprofit Ocmulgee Mounds Association.
In a social media post, the group called it an "urgent financial challenge," warning that every day the park remains closed puts cultural programs, educational events, and community outreach efforts at risk.
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