Dear Health Advocates,
We are into the 35th day of the government shutdown, matching the longest in history set during President Trump's first term. Both Democrats and Republicans remain dug-in, though discussions are in early stages on the Hill. Democrats continue to focus on the need to extend the enhanced health care tax credits, and there is not wide agreement on any bipartisan solution. We will continue to monitor and update you as these conversations continue.
On the SNAP front, the Trump Administration said that they would partially fund November benefits, though the payments will be delayed as states implement systems changes. Yet earlier today, President Trump caused confusion by stating on Truth Social that SNAP benefits would not be paid until the government is re-opened. The disconnect between the President's message and the agency's approach comes on the heels of two federal court rulings on Friday ordering the Administration to pay SNAP benefits by using over $4.5 billion from the agency's contingency fund; this is about half the amount needed to fully fund SNAP benefits for the month. This is an evolving development and only puts critical benefits further out of reach for millions of families.
Open enrollment for ACA Marketplace plans also opened on Saturday, November 1, and millions of Americans are seeing their insurance premiums skyrocket as the premium tax credits still have yet to be renewed. We have resources and ways to engage on these and other fronts this week, which you can find below.
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for Marketplace plans began this past Saturday, November 1, and Congress still hasn't extended the enhanced premium tax credits, which make coverage more affordable for millions of people. Across the board, Americans have continued to see their health care costs increase this year, regardless of whether they receive a tax credit. Consumers buying health coverage through the ACA may not be able to afford coverage if Congress doesn't extend the enhanced tax credits. For help navigating the enrollment process and advocating for those searching the marketplace for plans, please see our recent blog, Getting Ready for Open Enrollment, as well as new resources from KFF on their Understanding the Health Insurance Marketplaces microsite.
SNAP Funding
As mentioned above, while President Trump recently stated that SNAP benefits will be withheld until the government is re-opened, USDA said that partial SNAP payments will be distributed in November from the contingency fund, though these may be delayed due to state system adjustments that are required. Our partners at Center for American Progress have done a tremendous job breaking down the Trump administrations attacks on food security as a whole and how we got to this point with the SNAP funding crisis. Additionally, the National Association of Social Workers recently published a blog addressing the looming SNAP crisis, and sent a petition to President Trump and Congressional leadership to take action and fund SNAP.
If you want to take action, numerous organizations are advocating on this front, including the American Friends Service Committee, who published an explainer on the SNAP funding shut off, and is urging advocates to take action in this moment. Our friends at the Food Research and Action Center also have plenty of ways to get involved on their action site, for both organizations and individuals.
