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West Virginia’s youngest children are losing health care coverage
A troubling new report suggests that health insurance coverage is slipping away from too many of our youngest children.
Federal changes lead to thousands of New Yorkers losing their health insurance
To find out whether you’re eligible, visit the New York State of Health website to apply for the tax credits.
Western Pa. nurse accused in lawsuit of causing 2 patient deaths, stealing drugs
A federal lawsuit accuses Heritage Valley Health System and staff members of enabling alleged crimes by emergency department nurse Nolan Chismire, including drug theft, false insurance claims, and failures in patient care allegedly linked to two deaths.
Scranton woman charged with stealing funds from federal health care programs
A Scranton woman stole checks, some of which came from federal health insurance programs, and used them on herself, federal authorities say
Millions drop Obamacare health coverage after subsidies expire and costs rise
Experts share why millions of people lost their Affordable Care Act health insurance plans this year after federal subsidies expired.
Millions drop Obamacare health coverage after subsidies expire and costs rise
Experts share why millions of people lost their Affordable Care Act health insurance plans this year after federal subsidies expired.
Think Insurance Denials Only Hurt Patients? Why Business Owners Are Paying the Ultimate Price
A simple 9-week delay for a critical medication resulted in a $50,000 surgical nightmare. Here is how healthcare bureaucratic delays quietly destroy your company's bottom line.
OPM offers incentives for healthcare and insurance employees to leave before Open Season
OPM is offering voluntary separation incentives to healthcare and insurance staff before considering "any involuntary actions."
Cost and utilization of inpatient mental health and substance use treatment - Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker
Approximately 1 in 5 people with private health insurance have any mental illness, and 1 in 20 have a serious mental illness. This brief examines inpatient mental health and substance use treatment admissions in 2023 among adults aged 18-64 with large employer-sponsored health insurance plans. Private insurance enrollees constitute roughly a quarter (26%) of mental […]
BCBSM billing change could limit access to mental health care, psychiatric offices say
A recent billing change announced by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will affect access to mental health care across the state, according to psychiatric offices. The insurance provider says the change is in line with up-to-date guidance.
Video Millions lose health insurance
Millions of Americans have lost Affordable Care Act health insurance this year as many faced double- or triple-digit increases in their premium payments.
Mangione faces hearing ahead of trial over US health insurance CEO's killing
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting a health insurance executive on a Manhattan sidewalk in 2024, is due for a hearing in federal court on Monday ahead of his federal trial on stalking charges after murder and weapons charges were thrown out.
After her insurer denied coverage of medication, she ended up in the ER
After switching Medicare Advantage plans, a woman with a weakened immune system got tangled in the preapproval process, which the insurance industry has vowed to improve.
63,000 Long Islanders will lose Essential Plan health coverage July 1. Here's what to do.
Healthcare experts warn that many people kicked off the program will not be able to afford insurance and will avoid seeking care.
Virginians are feeling the effects of spiking health insurance premiums
Nearly 1 in 5 people using the state exchange has dropped coverage since January.
Americans now live longer in Democratic-held House districts. Here’s why
Even as health care issues rise in the 2026 campaign debate, new data show that far more House Republicans than Democrats represent districts where the most residents face major medical challenges — and lack health insurance.
Maryland health insurance rates could rise 13.7% in 2027 under proposal
BALTIMORE — Maryland residents who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace could see higher premiums next year, with insurers requesting an average rate increase of 13.7% for
Millions drop Affordable Care Act coverage after subsidies expired
New federal figures show that about 3 million fewer people had Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in February compared with the same time last year.
Strike out the Stigma initiative partners with teams for veteran mental health
A North Dakota insurance company is stepping up to the plate to promote mental health.
Millions drop Obamacare health coverage after subsidies expire and costs rise
NEW YORK — About 3 million fewer people in the United States had Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in February compared with the same time...
Millions drop Obamacare health coverage after subsidies expire and costs rise
About 3 million fewer people in the United States had Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in February compared with the same time last year, according to new federal data. In the report releas...
Millions drop Obamacare health plans after subsidies expire and costs rise
New federal figures show that about 3 million fewer people had Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in February compared with the same time last year.
Millions drop Obamacare health coverage after subsidies expire and costs rise
New federal figures show that about 3 million fewer people had Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in February compared with the same time last year. The Department of Health and Human Services...
Millions drop Obamacare coverage after subsidies expire, costs rise
New federal figures show that about 3 million fewer people had Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in February compared with the same time last year
Five Million Americans Lost ACA Health Insurance—Here’s What That Could Mean For Public Health
New data shows 5 million Americans have lost health insurance through the ACA. A doctor breaks down the downstream consequences for public health in America.
5 million have dropped ACA insurance after Trump and the GOP let prices skyrocket
The number of people who signed up for a health plan and then didn't pay their premium fell much more sharply than it has in years past. Trump officials blame fraud. Health policy experts blame costs.
California health insurance tax hike: Will your premiums increase?
A balance act: To help fund the safety net, lawmakers have voted through a health tax extension that could increase premium costs for Californians with private insurance.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ENDOWMENT ADVISORY BOARD APPROVES HEALTH INSURANCE SUBISIDY PROGRAM FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ENDOWMENT ADVISORY BOARD APPROVES HEALTH INSURANCE SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2026 The Early Childhood Education Endowment’s Advisory Board voted on Tuesday to approve the new early childhood educator health insurance subsidy program beginning in 2027 and available through Access Health CT open enrollment starting October 23, 2026. Established into law…
CMS projects national health spending grew to $5.7 trillion in 2025
National health spending is projected to have reached $5.7 trillion in 2025, up 7.3% from 2024, according to an analysis by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published yesterday by Health Affairs. It marks the third consecutive year of growth greater than 7%. CMS projects growth to continue in 2026 due to continued demand for high-cost retail prescription drugs, mostly from individuals with Medicare and private insurance.
Gov. Scott vetoed the Legislature’s latest attempt to lower health insurance costs. What’s next?
Governor Phil Scott's veto of a health insurance bill sparks debate over lowering healthcare costs in Vermont. Discover the proposed alternatives and political tensions.
David P. O'Brien
About five years ago, David P. O'Brien had a comfortable position at Marsh & McLennan Cos., where he held the top post at the financial giant's Louisville, Ky., office. Despite the lofty rank, Mr. O'Brien found himself longing to be at a smaller company that had to work a little harder to land business. That desire led him away from Kentucky five years ago and to Cleveland, where he serves as executive vice president at business insurance agency Oswald Cos. "I left Marsh before it was en vogue," he said, referring to layoffs and defections at Marsh over the course of this year that followed accusations of bid rigging at the big firm. Above all, Mr. O'Brien, 38, wanted to work at a company that relied on its inventiveness, rather than its name, for business. He said he has found that at Oswald. "It causes you to be more creative, to be more resourceful," Mr. O'Brien said. For instance, an Oswald client seeking to do business internationally might be directed to the network of offices abroad run by competitors such as Marsh and Aon Risk Services Inc. "We're going to use whatever access into the market that makes the most sense for our clients," he said. Of course, using such a strategy can be dangerous for Oswald if its client decides to further a business relationship with one of the firms Oswald recommended. "That's the obvious question and why it's nontraditional," he said. "I think if we're good, and if we're bringing value to the client, then there's no risk. I'm not threatened by it." Imaginative business solutions of that type made his career move to Oswald from Marsh worthwhile. "It's very much a challenge," he said. "It helps you keep your edge. I'm all for the competition." John Jacunski, currently vice president and corporate controller at York, Pa., paper company PH Gladfelter Co., met Mr. O'Brien four years ago when Mr. Jacunski was at WCI Steel Inc. in Warren. So impressed was he with Mr. O'Brien's work for WCI that Mr. Jacunski has retained the Oswald executive at PH Gladfelter. "He's a young guy for the position he has, but he's done a great job for us," Mr. Jacunski said. Among his roles at Oswald, Mr. O'Brien leads the firm's client retention efforts and also serves as director of its property and casualty group. "You don't have the same human resources," he said of the job jump to Oswald. "You don't have, obviously, the safety net a big company has." But sometimes, it can be difficult to ascertain individual contributions when working at a big company. "I wanted to be able to see the end results of my work and my efforts," Mr. O'Brien said.
CMS projection: 90% of Americans will still have health insurance in 2034—when healthcare spending reaches $9T
Legislative changes, demographic shifts and growing demand will combine to drive national health spending to almost $9 trillion by 2034.
Pat Ryan’s insurance firm shuffles leadership at RT Specialty unit
CEO Ed McCormack will remain with company as vice chair of RT Specialty through 2027.
Perks of the job: Save on entertainment and essentials with BenefitHub
State of Colorado employees have access to a wide-ranging corporate discount marketplace, and those eligible for benefits at Metropolitan State University of Denver can take advantage of them with their University email. The State of Colorado BenefitHub offers deals on thousands of products, ranging from vacation and event tickets to insurance and other essential services. […]
Affordability, not fraud, is why fewer Americans have health insurance
The “fraud, waste, and abuse” narrative has been seriously overworked, and does not fit the facts.
Follow the Money: Charting Private Health Insurance Cost Growth
Most Americans have health coverage through private (also called “commercial”) insurance. The prices for healthcare paid by private insurance are
Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame to induct seven
The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 class of distinguished inductees. Seven new Arkansans will be honored at the 2026 Induction Banquet Thursday, Oct. 15, at the...
Op-ed: Small businesses are carrying New York’s economy. The city must meet them halfway
Rising costs for insurance, utilities, rent, wages, and supplies are squeezing already-thin margins.
While Mainers still reeling from health insurance hikes, insurers propose more
Kennebunkport resident Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons saw her family’s health insurance costs increase ten-fold after Congress last year failed to extend pandemic-era tax credits for plans purchased on the marketplace. Next year, she’s facing another potential 20% increase, this time due to a proposed hike by her insurance provider. “I didn’t know that the cost of care […]
Minnesota health insurers proposing double-digit rate hikes for 2027
Health insurers are proposing double-digit rate increases next year for individual plans sold on MNsure, the state’s health insurance marketplace for those who don’t get health insurance
Trouble getting weight loss drugs covered by insurance? Here's what to know
If your doctor prescribes a GLP-1 medication for weight loss but your insurance won't cover it, you have options.
US: Millions Lost Health Insurance When Subsidies Expired
The United States Congress’ failure to extend public subsidies for private health insurance has caused millions to lose healthcare coverage, increasing financial hardship and deepening inequality.
Gov. Scott vetoed the Legislature’s latest attempt to lower health insurance costs. What’s next?
Scott wants to expand other models of health insurance in Vermont. Observers worry that his veto points to deepening political divisions over how to keep healthcare affordable.
There's 'menopause legislation' in the works. What does that mean?
More than half of the states have introduced or passed menopause bills including requiring insurance companies to cover hormone therapy.
Kansas state employees to see 15% spike in health insurance if they stay with Blue Cross Blue Shield
Kansas state employees choosing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas insurance next year will see rates rise by 15%.
California is getting ready to increase a health insurance tax. Will it affect your premium?
Legislators approved a redesigned health tax that shifts more cost onto privately insured Californians to help preserve billions in federal Medi-Cal funding.
Prosper AI lands $30M backed by Andreessen Horowitz to build AI workforce for healthcare operations
Nine months after announcing its seed funding round, Prosper AI banked $30 million to scale its agentic AI platform to power administrative tasks from patient scheduling to insurance verification a | Prosper AI banked $30 million to scale its agentic AI platform to power administrative tasks from patient scheduling to insurance verification and patient billing.
Health insurers are seeking rate hikes again. Here’s what to know
The Connecticut Insurance Department annually reviews requests by insurance companies to raise or lower rates on health coverage.
Axios-Ipsos poll: Health affordability is shaping the midterms
About half of Americans say measures aimed at drug and insurance affordability will probably influence who they'll vote for.
The 2026 legislative update of health care laws
Commentary: Maryland's 2026 legislative session introduced laws affecting healthcare staffing, insurance coverage, nursing homes, and data privacy.
‘Delay and deny’ insurance practices hinder health care, CT patients, doctors say
Local doctors, lawmakers, patients and the American Medical Association, say that the number of prior authorizations and claim denials that insurance companies issue is worsening.
Make healthcare more affordable by preventing costly state mandates
Sen. Michael Webber proposes a task force to study how state healthcare mandates impact insurance premiums.
California is getting ready to increase a health insurance tax — will it affect your premium?
Legislators this week approved a health tax bill meant to continue critical federal funding for the state’s Medicaid program.
California is getting ready to increase a health insurance tax. Will it affect your premium?
A family of four could pay $400 more a year in premiums — but the tax still needs federal approval from the Trump administration to take effect.
Federal jury convicts former owner of chiropractic business in Libertyville of defrauding insurance out of $600K
A former owner of a chiropractic business in Libertyville faces prison after a jury convicted him of defrauding an insurance company out of over $600,000 in non-existent services.
Inside California Politics: Ben Allen makes his insurance commissioner case
(Inside California Politics) — The race for insurance commissioner doesn’t often get a lot of attention. But this year, amid an insurance crisis, the November general election will pit two De…
Readers respond: Prove reasons for health insurance cost spikes
Letters to the Editor can be submitted to letters@oregonian.com with full name and place of residence.
AI-powered healthcare fraud has insurers on their toes
Pulling off health insurance fraud used to take time and skill. Until a few years ago, criminals couldn’t fabricate health records without knowing medical terminology and billing codes. If the scheme involved fooling a call center worker, the fraudster would have to pick up the phone and pose as a
Midstate man shares near death experience after health insurance coverage denial
DOVER, Pa. (WHTM) — State lawmakers want to criminalize health insurance companies when their decision to deny coverage seriously injures or kills a patient. A York County man is doing much b…
Baptist-Cigna deadline nears: Insurance expert shares 3 steps patients should take now
With days remaining before Baptist Health hospitals and employed providers are scheduled to leave Cigna’s network, patients across Northeast Florida are scrambling to understand their options and determine whether they can keep their doctors.
Trump Policies Could Strip Health Coverage From 3 Million Age 50-64
Trump’s biggest health care initiatives, rolling back the 2010 Affordable Care Act and cutting Medicaid, could strip insurance from up to 3 million people aged 50-64.
Guest opinion: Rural Wisconsin workers lose health insurance twice as fast as before the pandemic
Wisconsin should expand Medicaid, invest in renewal pathways that don’t assume broadband internet access and revamp the renewal system so eligible people do not lose coverage, Jiyue Wang writes.
Calmatters: California Is Getting Ready To Increase A Health Insurance Tax. Will It Affect Your Premium?
CalMatters
Mangione, accused CEO killer, withdraws mental health defense plans for now
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down a health insurance executive on a Manhattan sidewalk, is for now withdrawing plans to argue at trial that he was undergoing an extreme mental health crisis at the time of the alleged killing, according to a Friday court filing.
Mangione, Accused CEO Killer, Withdraws Mental Health Defense Plans for Now
By Jack Queen NEW YORK, June 18 (Reuters) - Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down a health insurance executive on a Manhattan sidewalk, is for now withdrawing plans to argue at trial that he was undergoing an extreme mental health crisis at the time of the alleged killing, according ...
California is getting ready to increase a health insurance tax. Will it affect your premium?
Private plans say they'll pass the cost to consumers — meaning families could pay $400 more a year to help keep Medi-Cal afloat.
CMS Ignores the Law (Again) – This Time Taking Health Insurance Away from Individuals with Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health Conditions, and Serious Health Conditions
Just a few weeks ago, we explained how the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS) proposed regulation on state directed payments goes far beyond the statutory authority in H.R. 1 to incredibly harmful effect. Now it has happened again. This time CMS has issued an interim final rule on work reporting requirements (the “IFR”) that […]
Marjorie Taylor Greene says she has no health insurance in new video
Former Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she doesn't have health insurance and travels to Mexico for stem cell therapy in new video.
How New York’s ‘Essential Plan’ insurance coverage cuts are forcing impossible choices
Actor Olivia Killingsworth has a life-threatening genetic condition. She’s one of thousands of New Yorkers facing tough decisions as ‘Essential Plan’ health coverage plan comes to an end.
Trump changes pregnancy-prevention program to promote childbearing
A federal poverty-fighting program focused on reducing unintended pregnancies is about to undergo a major overhaul. Reproductive health clinics use Title X federal grant money to provide birth control, cancer screenings and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections to people with little or no health insurance. Title X money cannot be used for abortions. The […]
How many Americans can afford high-quality healthcare? A new poll finds the number has fallen
Twannetta Weaver felt like she made the responsible choice when she enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan through her employer, an option that avoided high premiums and allowed her to sa...
California lawmakers to vote on tax increases affecting health insurance and digital software
California lawmakers are set to vote tomorrow on two tax increases, including higher taxes on health plans and a new sales tax on digital software, which are expected to raise billions annually for state programs.
Scott vetoes Legislature’s latest attempt at healthcare reform
The governor said he wants savings to be shared equally among insurance buyers, not only the two groups targeted by the bill. Others say the savings just aren’t there.
Health Outcomes Data For Wearables Key To Medicare Coverage Expansion
Insurance coverage of wearables is spotty. This could soon change as Medicare begins a pilot to facilitate access to wearables while gathering data on health outcomes.
Business owners may be overlooking a key part of their financial picture
Business credit can be easy to overlook because it usually does not create urgency until a company needs something.
Lockton appoints Stéphane Lespérance as CEO of its Canadian Business
/PRNewswire/ -- Lockton, the world's largest privately held independent insurance brokerage, today announced the strategic appointment of industry veteran...
RI Health Insurers Pushing for Rate Increases as High as 35%
The spiraling cost of health insurance is hitting record highs. And Rhode Island businesses are about to get clobbered again due to the rate increases…
New Rural Health Hub Connects Arkansans to Healthcare Resources, Opportunities
More than 40% of Arkansans live in rural areas, many with insufficient health care due to a lack of transportation, lack of providers, lack of insurance, and a preponderance of chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) understands these barriers…
Health Insurance Coverage of Adults Ages 19 or Older, Multiple Sources of Coverage
State level data on Health Insurance Coverage of Adults Ages 19 or Older, Multiple Sources of Coverage from KFF, the leading health policy organization in the U.S.
Rhode Island health insurers request double-digit premium hikes for 2027
Some Rhode Islanders could pay significantly more for health insurance next year.
Health Insurance Coverage of Adults Ages 19 or Older
State level data on Health Insurance Coverage of Adults Ages 19 or Older from KFF, the leading health policy organization in the U.S.
Missouri and Kansas have tens of thousands of kids without healthcare. But poverty is down
The annual child wellness report Kids Count found child poverty has improved in Kansas and Missouri compared to the years before the pandemic. But both states still have tens of thousands of children without health insurance.
Yankees news: Paul Goldschmidt has been worth every dime
An insurance policy worth weight in gold; how Jasson managed a chaotic return; Boone amped about Knicks
Marin Voice: Addressing LGBTQ+ mental health needs requires affirming care
LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Queer individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide — not because of who we are, but because of the stigma, discrimination and r…
Medicare Enrollment 101: What You Need to Know
The federal health insurance program can be complicated. Here’s how to start, and where to find help.
New rules expand ACA insurance choices but could come with risks
Plans could offer 30 percent higher out-of-pocket costs or no set hospital networks. Critics say the changes may reduce enrollment by 2 million.
Want obesity drugs covered by insurance? Telehealth companies have a big say
Telehealth companies offer lifestyle support so people taking obesity drugs can have the most success losing weight. But employers also want the telehealth providers to limit spending on the drugs.
Health care costs drive changes to Laredo employee insurance
City officials selected a compromise health insurance option projected to leave a small deficit while preserving employee coverage choices.
Op-ed | Health plans take aim at independent dispute resolution cases; tips for providers
The number of Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) cases between health care insurance plans and out-of-network providers has unexpectedly exploded since the
Private health insurance rates may rise in California as lawmakers move forward with tax proposal
Private health insurance rates in California may rise next year as state lawmakers and the governor move forward with a plan to increase what's known as the state's managed care organization tax.
ACA Enrollment Could Fall By 5 Million As Enhanced Health Insurance Subsidies Expire
Millions of Americans face higher health insurance costs as enhanced ACA subsidies expire. New projections show marketplace enrollment could fall by 5 million people.
As Affordable Care Act premiums skyrocket, catastrophic coverage is having a moment
Jason Miller watched his monthly health insurance premiums quadruple to $374 from $80 for a silver-level plan when the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced...
30,000 Idahoans had to drop health insurance from the state exchange this year. Why don't we care?
America is the richest country in the world, and we are pushing millions onto the healthcare cliff, writes guest columnist Dan Schmidt.
Opinion | Newsom’s California Health Tax Gambit
His scheme could raise insurance premiums by $400 a year.
US Workers’ Health Insurance Costs Set to Rise, Survey Finds
Employers say higher prices are forcing them to raise premiums. Some will also stop covering GLP-1s.
Social Security is Facing a Political Crisis
On Tuesday the Social Security Trustees released their latest report on the system’s finances. The numbers didn’t change much: Unless something is done, the Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program, Social Security’s official name, will be unable to pay full benefits starting in either 2032 or 2034, depending on some technical issues. That’s not far away: If the Trustees are right, the prospect of a Social Security crisis will loom over the next presidential administration. It’s important to understand, however, the nature of the looming crisis. It won’t be an economic crisis. It won’t even be a serious fiscal crisis. Whatever you may have heard, Social Security isn’t in danger of going bankrupt. What we’re facing, instead, is potential political crisis. Congress and the White House could easily take action to sustain America’s retirement system. But given the current state of our politics, there’s no guarantee that they will. There is a widespread misunderstanding of how Social Security works. While Social Security was designed to look like a pension fund, it isn’t. A pension fund pays benefits out of a stock of assets it has accumulated over time. In contrast, Social Security operates as a government transfer program, like food stamps or Medicaid. Now, unlike food stamps — but like the highway trust fund — Social Security is on paper supported by a dedicated tax, the payroll tax, that is assigned to that program. But I say “on paper” because from an economic point of view assigning the payroll tax to Social Security is just an accounting convention. What matters for the U.S. economy is the overall balance between government spending and government revenue, not the difference between one type of spending and one source of revenue. So there’s no inherent economic significance to the fact that by 2034 payroll tax receipts will be insufficient to cover promised benefits. There is, however, a legislative issue. As long as the Social Security Administration can pay benefits out of payroll taxes and its cash reserve, there’s no need for Congress to vote each year to authorize benefits — they just keep going out until further notice. However, once those resources become insufficient, benefits will fall —by 17 percent according to the Trustees — unless Congress passes new legislation that “tops up” Social Security’s finances. Yet the current administration and Republican party are such extremists that there is a real risk that Social Security will be held hostage on behalf of their goals. If this should come to pass, the hostage-takers will claim that shoring up Social Security is unaffordable. Right on cue, Mike Johnson, the Trump-sycophant Speaker of the House, declared on Monday that “entitlement programs” like Social Security “have to be adjusted and fixed,” and that Republicans will introduce a plan to that effect next year. But this is a ploy, because while the cost of maintaining Social Security benefits at their promised level isn’t trivial, it is in fact affordable. According to the Trustees’ report, the actuarial balance of OASDI up through 2050 — the amount of additional funds it would need to keep paying full benefits for the next 25 years — is 1.06 percent of GDP. To put that number in perspective, the Trump administration proposes increasing military spending next year by $420 billion, equivalent to about 1.4 percent of GDP – without any discussion of whether that’s affordable Yet how did we get to the point where Social Security will need to be topped up? The main answer is that we have an aging population, with a growing ratio of retirees collecting benefits to workers paying into the system: Trump’s anti-immigration policies are making this problem worse. According to the Trustees’ report, lower immigration will deepen Social Security’s financial hole because many immigrants are working-age adults who will pay into the system for decades before they collect benefits. In fact, this problem may be much bigger than the report acknowledges: The report’s baseline assumption is that we’ll have net immigration of almost 1.2 million people a year, and even the pessimistic case assumes 750,000 a year. Meanwhile actual net immigration has already been cut far below that — and may now be negative. Moreover, Social Security is being financially damaged by growing income inequality in America. Payroll taxes are levied only on wages up to $184,500, and they don’t touch capital income. With the distribution of income increasingly shifting from labor to capital, as well as becoming more unequal among wage-earners, revenue from the Social Security payroll tax has been falling as a share of national income. From 1990 to 2024, it fell from 5.02 percent of gross domestic income to 4.46 percent. Which brings me to the question that, these days, we ask about everything: How might Social Security be affected by the advent of AI? A short answer: If, as many of us fear, AI accelerates rising income inequality, it will further reduce the payroll tax receipts that currently pay for Social Security and further endanger its finances. On the other hand, if AI, as its advocates promise, leads to faster economic growth, it will increase the potential tax base that could and should be used to support Social Security and other social insurance programs. But to take advantage of that larger base, we’ll have to get serious about taxing wealth and capital income. Is Social Security in trouble? Yes, but only because of the way its financing is currently structured — a structure that no longer works well because our society and economy have become so unequal. Moreover, Trump’s immigration policies are further endangering its already deteriorating financial condition. So don’t believe Republicans’ gaslighting that it will be necessary to cut Social Security benefits. All that is necessary to preserve Social Security is political will to raise taxes on the wealthy and a sensible immigration policy. MUSICAL CODA Actually 67 under current law.
Scammers are targeting online searches for Medicare health insurance
Searching online for Medicare health insurance could lead users to scam websites designed to steal personal information.
Humana To Divest End-Of-Life Care Business For $900 Million
Humana, one of the largest U.S. sellers of Medicare Advantage insurance for older adults, will divest its stake in a provider of end-of-life services for $900 million.
The number of uninsured Californians could nearly double by 2030, says new report
Historic cuts to Medicaid and low-cost California health insurance could leave 4.6 million residents with no coverage. A new report from the UC Berkeley Labor Center says the working poor, older workers and undocumented workers could bear the brunt.
How AI Will Change the Job Market—and Boost These Health Insurance Stocks
Barclays upgraded its rating of Oscar to overweight, a buy equivalent, and reiterated its overweight rating on Centene in a new research note.