October 29, 2025
As November 1st Looms, Families Face Rising Costs and Fewer Supports
As the federal shutdown continues, millions of children and families are caught in the middle. November 1st marks a turning point when more families will feel the impact on critical health, nutrition, and early childhood programs.
A major sticking point is the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which help over 20 million people afford coverage through the ACA marketplace. These credits are set to expire at the end of this year, and premiums are expected to rise when open enrollment begins on November 1st. Without an extension, many families could face dramatic premium increases next year.
At the same time, the shutdown is causing staffing shortages and funding delays that disrupt programs children and families rely on.
After November 1st, some programs are expected to run out of funds, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provide food and nutrition assistance to millions of families, and more than 100 local Head Start programs, which serve 60,000 young children.