News & Stories Politics Health insurance is at the center of the government shutdown battle Selena Simmons-Duffin Deepa Shivaram Barbara Sprunt October 22, 2025 / 1:14 pm The NPR Politics Podcast breaks down the central policy issue behind the government shutdown: enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans. Why you can trust KUOW Recommended Stories WA Supreme Court rules against first challenge to 'millionaires tax' May 04, 2026 Seattle-area organizers adopt and adapt Minnesota's ICE protest tactics April 30, 2026 Plan to sweep $4B from WA police and firefighter pension fund spurs lawsuit April 30, 2026