As a prolonged government shutdown persists, many fear that Affordable Care Act subsidies may lapse. In Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania, one hair stylist facing a potential neck surgery worries she will have to delay her procedure if these crucial subsidies vanish.

As the deadline to renew pivotal insurance subsidies approaches, millions of Americans brace for potential rate hikes while political tensions mount on Capitol Hill. Bipartisan lawmakers agree there is a problem to solve, but they remain divided on the best path forward—leaving insurers, hospitals, and everyday citizens on edge.