Blog 11/4/25

Government Shutdown on Track for Longest in History, Equitas Health Keeps Fighting for Access to Care

COLUMBUS, OH – Well into its fifth week, the federal government shutdown is on track to be the longest in U.S. history. Concerns about rising health insurance premiums have taken center stage during the shutdown fight on Capitol Hill, particularly given the upcoming expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits – officially known as enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs).

With health insurance premiums on the ACA marketplace set to double on average next year, ACA tax credits will be essential to helping working families access affordable healthcare coverage. For that reason, Equitas Health has actively advocated both on Capitol Hill and in congressional districts across Ohio for the renewal of this cost-saving tool.

Considering the path out of the government shutdown, Rhea Debussy, PhD (she/her), Director of External Affairs at Equitas Health said, “With rising costs for everyday essentials, American families need Congress to re-authorize ACA tax credits, which help to keep health insurance premiums more affordable. Bipartisan action on that important issue could end the shutdown just as quickly as it began.”

Pictured: Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-1) and Dr. Rhea Debussy, Director of External Affairs at Equitas Health speak about ACA tax credits at a press conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The upcoming expiration of ACA tax credits is not the only threat to access to care. Ahead of the government shutdown, the White House requested over $2 billion in cuts to HIV treatment, prevention, and resource programs and an additional $1.37 billion from AIDS research. Equitas Health has consistently spoken out about such threats, including federal funding cuts to Medicaid, funding delays for HIV/STI prevention programs, and attacks on America’s healthcare safety net.

In late October, Equitas Health returned to Capitol Hill and interacted with more than 15 congressional offices. In doing so, advocates discussed several key policy issues, including:

• Renewing ACA tax credits to dramatically lower health insurance premiums;
• Funding HIV treatment, prevention, and resource programs, which face a proposed $1.5 billion cut in the House Appropriations Committee’s FY 26 budget;
• Investing in healthcare services for elders, who are aging with HIV;
• Reinstating coverage for telehealth services, which expired on September 30; and more.

Regarding continued cuts to public health, David Ernesto Munar (he/him), CEO and President of Equitas Health said, “These cuts are a devastating attack on trusted and effective public health programs. Weakening the federal government’s commitment to public health will cause rates of preventable and chronic conditions to soar. Costs will rise for patients and taxpayers. And people will die.”

In addition, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) had announced that it would not make emergency funds available on November 1 to pay for SNAP food benefits. However, a recent decision from a federal court has resulted in partial benefits for the month.

Reflecting upon the issue of SNAP benefits for families in need, Candace Janidlo (she/her), Legislative Affairs Manager at Equitas Health said, “One in 11 workers in Ohio relies on SNAP to help them put healthy food on the table for their families. With only partial benefits being distributed this month, Congress should move to secure food stability for SNAP participants.”

Equitas Health – which received a prestigious, national designation for advocacy this summer – continues to monitor these ongoing developments, while also engaging members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. 

To support Equitas Health – including our continued advocacy work – with a donation, click here.