Protecting Health Care Affordability for Workers and Workplaces

On Oct. 1, 2025, the federal government shut down after Congress did not complete the annual appropriations process. A central point of disagreement involved whether to extend or modify enhanced tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans.

The shutdown lasted 43 days, ending when a temporary funding agreement was signed into law on Nov. 12, 2025. While federal operations have resumed, the policy challenges at the center of the debate—and their impact on America’s workers and workplaces—remain unresolved.

As the President and Congress consider next steps that directly affect health care coverage, affordability, and employer-sponsored benefits, SHRM urges lawmakers to work together on a bipartisan, sustainable path forward. While many factors drive underlying health care cost trends, policymakers still have meaningful opportunities to improve system stability, target assistance more effectively, and help moderate future cost increases.

A stable and affordable health care system is essential to a strong workforce and a resilient economy. Employers need predictability to continue offering high-quality benefits, and workers need confidence that access to care will remain reliable and within reach.

Urge your members of Congress to work together and protect health care affordability for America’s workers and workplaces.

Download SHRM’s Health Care Affordability Policy Talking Points: To support your outreach, SHRM Government Affairs has created a concise set of talking points outlining what is at stake and why these issues matter for HR professionals and the people we serve.