Health insurance crisis raises 'junk coverage' risks

BOSTON 鈥� Residents who lose their insurance subsidies may end up ditching vetted plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector and turning to junk coverage as they scramble to find affordable options, Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier warned Thursday.

The federal government shutdown ended Wednesday night, but debate continues in Congress over extending enhanced premium tax credits that are due to expire at the end of the year. Without an extension, thousands of Bay Staters will see steep premium hikes and lose access to heavily subsidized plans.

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