NEW YORK (AP) — For one Wisconsin couple, the loss of government-sponsored health subsidies next year means choosing a lower-quality insurance plan with a higher deductible. For a Michigan family, it means going without insurance altogether.

For a single mom in Nevada, the spiking costs mean fewer Christmas gifts this year. She is stretching her budget already while she waits to see if Congress will act.

Less than three weeks remain until the expiration of COVID-era enhanced tax credits that have helped millions of Americans pay their monthly fees for Affordable Care Act coverage for the past four years.

The Senate on Thursday rejected two proposals to address the problem and an emerging health care package from House Republicans does not include an extension, all but guaranteeing that many Americans will see much higher insurance costs in 2026.

From a gold plan to a bronze plan, a couple spends more on less

Chad Bruns comes from a family of savers. That came in handy when the 58-year-old military veteran had to leave his firefighting career early because of injuries incurred on the job.

He and his wife, Kelley, both retirees, will be forced to be even more frugal now as their coverage under the health law enacted under former President Barack Obama becomes more expensive with worse coverage.

Currently, the Bruns family pays about $2 a month for a top-tier gold-level plan with less than a $4,000 deductible, qualifying for significant financial assistance due to low income. However, in 2026, that same plan is increasing to an unattainable $1,600 per month, so they will have to downgrade to a bronze plan with a $15,000 deductible.

Kelley Bruns, expressing her concerns about potential health complications, stated, “It would be very devastating.”

Family facing higher costs prepares to go without insurance

Dave Roof's family of four has been on ACA insurance since it started in 2014. However, their insurance costs are escalating, with premiums jumping from $500 to at least $700 per month. With their income of about $75,000 a year, Roof states that this surge is unmanageable, prompting them to consider going without health insurance.

Despite the stress, Roof emphasized that continuing to pay for what they cannot afford is not an option.

Single mom strains her January budget in hopes Congress acts soon

Katelin Provost, a social worker in Nevada, is already feeling the pinch. For the new year, her monthly insurance fee is set to spike from $85 to nearly $750. This would force her to downgrade her coverage and reduce her spending on essentials.

Her hopes for a legislative solution are dwindling as the December deadline approaches, putting even more pressure on her already tight budget.