Harvard Kennedy School's Mark Shepard discusses health insurance subsidies and why they have become such a sticking point for lawmakers.

Illnesses and injuries can occur unexpectedly, leading to medical expenses that can quickly accumulate. Whether an individual is young and healthy or dealing with chronic conditions, having health insurance ensures that one can access the care that they need.

“Health insurance in America is very expensive, because health care is very expensive,” said Katherine Baicker, a health economist who is the provost at the University of Chicago. “And that’s true in every market. What’s different is who is writing the check, and how easily perceived the full cost is to the individual who is being insured.”

The new tools and resources for assessing your health and risks.

Here's how ACA marketplaces work, why enrollment has grown recently and what's at the heart of the US government shutdown.

Many states have shown rising premiums ahead of open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans. The government shutdown is driven by Democrats and Republicans being far apart on the issue of extended subsidies.

They are among thousands of Oregonians who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace who could pay an additional $127 to $456 a month on average.