WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Come November 1, federal programs, including the health care millions of Americans rely on, will run out of funds.
Politicians are playing the blame game.
“It’s just awful what the Republicans have done,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
“It’s for the Democrats’ political leverage,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson.
As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, Republicans and Democrats continue to point fingers, while New Yorkers’ access to affordable health care remains in jeopardy.
“New Yorkers can’t afford to wait any longer because November 1 is around the corner. Families are going to have to pick their insurance policies then. It’s a crisis, and it needs to be addressed immediately,” said Schumer.
He and fellow New York Democrat Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand spoke on what may happen if the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, tax credits expire.
“I’ve seen data throughout New York of someone paying $250 a month is now going to have to pay $1,200 a month. That’s not going to be within reach,” said Gillibrand.
Projections from Senator Schumer’s office show North Country residents could pay as much as $900 more in premiums.
Not only is health care on a time crunch, but so are federal assistance programs like HEAP and SNAP.
HEAP stands for Heat Energy Assistance Program. With winter coming up, the state says applications have been delayed until further notice because of a lack of federal funding.
SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is also in danger.
“The nutrition assistance for women, infants, and children is under threat. Now SNAP benefits will not be sent to those who truly need it,” said Johnson.
Meanwhile, a bill that would keep essential federal workers and troops paid throughout the shutdown failed to pass on Thursday.
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