GEORGIA (WGXA) — The U.S. government has been at a standstill for seven days as Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over the budget or a continuing resolution.

A key point of contention is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy, a tax credit that reduces monthly health care premium costs for millions nationwide. This subsidy is set to expire at the end of the year, raising concerns about increased costs, especially with open enrollment approaching.

Judy Kreps, a small business owner from Lumpkin County, is among the 1.4 million Georgians who would be affected if the tax credit is not extended.

"If that subsidy goes away I would have to pay $900 a month for really basic care and it's still a $8,000 deductible," Kreps said.

On Oct. 1, Georgians using the state-based online health care marketplace, Georgia Access, saw their 2026 health care premiums double and even triple. Kreps expressed her anxiety, saying, "It's a form of cruel, psychological torture that is being inflicted on me, my family, and on millions of people."

Kreps also noted that the ACA has been weakened over the years, affecting the quality of care.

"The ACA has just been really gutted over the years so that we're at the point in my county and I'm sure in other parts of rural Georgia where there is just a single provider available and the care that we have is pitiful," she said.

As the shutdown continues, it remains uncertain if Democrats, who are advocating for the subsidy, will reach an agreement with Republicans to fund the government.

Kreps hopes for a shift in the U.S. health care system, stating, "In America, we need to join the rest of the world and have universal healthcare that is affordable and available to everyone."