For the past few weeks, Shana Verstegen has been "sick to her stomach" wondering what might happen to her family's health insurance next year.
Ms Verstegen and her husband both work for a small business as fitness trainers, meaning they have to pay for their own plan.
The Wisconsin parents of two have saved an estimated $800 (£601) a month on their health insurance through Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, premium tax credits.
Set to expire at the end of the year, the federal subsidies are now at the heart of the battle over the US shutdown. Democrats will not back a spending deal that reopens the government unless Republicans renew the subsidies.
Ms Verstegen and others are watching anxiously, wondering what kind of financial consequences they would face if a deal can't be reached.
