On Thursday night, President Trump intensified his criticism of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), urging Democrats to take action as a potential surge in ACA premiums looms due to ongoing federal funding disagreements.

Trump expressed his frustration on Truth Social, stating, “As I have said for years, OBAMACARE IS A DISASTER! Rates are going through the roof for really bad healthcare!!! Do something Democrats!!!”

This outburst comes as the government shutdown approaches its fourth week, with Senate Democrats holding firm on their refusal to pass a temporary funding bill unless Republicans agree to a continuation of ACA subsidies set to expire at the year’s end.

With open enrollment beginning on November 1, experts warn that if these subsidies are not extended, health care costs could rise significantly.

Analysis by the health research nonprofit KFF, as reported by The New York Times, suggests that by 2026, Americans aged 60 and over with an annual income of $65,000 might see an increase of $920 in their monthly premiums. Without the tax credits, this group could face monthly premiums of $1,380.

GOP lawmakers have attempted to repeal ObamaCare since its passage in 2010 — most recently in 2017. Now, Republicans are saying they will agree to extend the subsidies at the center of Democrats’ demands with “reforms.”

“The expiring ObamaCare subsidy at the end of the year is a serious problem. If you look at it objectively, you know that it is subsidizing bad policy. We’re throwing good money at a bad, broken system, and so it needs real reforms,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said at a Monday press conference.

Two weeks ago, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said a vote on ACA subsidy extensions was guaranteed if Senate Democrats would agree to fund the government, but House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) argued that his counterparts “can’t be trusted on a wing and a prayer.”

“We need a real path forward to address the crisis that Republicans have visited upon the American people in terms of health care, the cost of living and affordability…,” he added in an Oct. 16 appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “They’ve [Republicans] enacted the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history, hospitals, nursing homes, community based health centers are closing because of Republican policies all across the country.”