#health-insurance

#health-insurance

David Deal's 2026 outlook is what he describes as a "whack-a-mole of worry." While he's 62 and presumably approaching retirement, 65 is "just a number" for him, not a milestone marker for throwing in the towel on his career like his parents' generation. The thing that really has him wound up, though, is healthcare, which he calls a "DEFCON 1" situation.

Every year, open enrollment forces Americans to confront a familiar dilemma: Pay more for coverage that delivers less, or gamble on going without it. This year, that choice has become even starker. Employers are shifting more costs to workers, marketplace premiums are poised to rise, fewer prescription drugs are covered by insurance, and 3.8 million people could lose insurance annually if Affordable Care Act subsidies aren't extended.

I grew up in a household where therapy was not an option, but after seeing a great therapist for anxiety during the pandemic years, I was sold on its benefits. I moved states and couldn't see my therapist anymore, and tried a few different ones in my new city. After many duds, I found a fantastic one, and I've been seeing her for two years. I love working with her, and we've worked through a lot of things and I've seen a lot of growth in myself with her help. Now I have to say goodbye, and I really don't want to.

Carin Lenk Sloane never considered moving abroad before, never imagined she even would. Sloane is one of roughly two million Californians who buy insurance through Covered California, the state's marketplace - and one of many who could see steep price hikes now that Congress has ended the shutdown without striking a deal on health care.

I've got a genius business idea for people with few discernible skills. First you establish a health insurance company and get people to pay you large sums every month. Then, when a customer tries to use their insurance to cover medical costs, make a habit of denying their claim. While doing that, pay lobbyists to keep politicians amenable. Repeat this strategy until your company is worth billions. I'm not saying this is exactly how the US health insurance industry works, but it's close enough.

Health insurance has once again become a battleground in US politics. With costs rising and government subsidies under pressure, Republicans and Democrats remain sharply divided over how much the government should pay for health insurance and how much should be left to market forces. Supporters of public investment say broader coverage strengthens the economy and protects families. Critics say it drives up costs and weakens competition.

My company pays for the employees' health insurance and then the employee can add (and pay for) additional insurance, including for kids. "Kids" insurance costs the same if you have one kid or six kids. When Anna and Ben graduated college and started working, I kept them on my insurance because I was already purchasing the "Kids" insurance for Caroline. Anna switched to her own insurance at 26 and Ben will be 26 soon and do the same. Caroline now has a full-time job with benefits, including insurance. Her insurance is not free, but costs significantly less than "Kids" at my company. I never had a stated plan to insure my children until they were 26-it just worked out that way for my older children and didn't cost me any additional money. But it's clearly a benefit they received courtesy of me that Caroline won't receive.

The rise of remote work has reshaped how people live, travel, and earn a living. No longer tied to traditional office spaces, many professionals are seeking new horizons - and countries around the world are stepping up to welcome them. In 2025, an increasing number of destinations are offering digital nomad visas, giving remote workers the freedom to live abroad legally while continuing their careers online.

A 10pc increase on some of these plans could add €300 to the adult cost of their cover. Our analysis shows some dated plans will be increasing by €367 to €955 per adult,

So Adams posted his complaint on X, saying Kaiser of Northern California, his health insurer and care provider, had "dropped the ball" in scheduling a procedure needed to treat his metastatic prostate cancer. Adams wrote he was going to ask Trump to help save his life, and he added: "I am declining fast. I will ask President Trump if he can get Kaiser of Northern California to respond and schedule it for Monday."

Berkshire Hathaway revealed a new 5 million-share stake in UnitedHealth Group valued at $1.6 billion, causing a 10% increase in UNH's premarket stock price.

The Congressional Budget Office predicts that the megabill Trump signed on July 4 would increase the federal deficit by $3.4 trillion and cause ten million people to lose health insurance.

Germany's work-life balance is bolstered by generous statutory leave days. Full-time workers are entitled to a minimum of 20 paid vacation days annually, with many receiving 25 or 30.

Congress is about to impose massive harm on tens of millions of Americans—taking away their health insurance, reducing welfare benefits, raising energy costs—to benefit a handful of wealthy individuals.

The Senate Republicans' tax bill could slash $1.1 trillion from health provisions by 2034, leading to an estimated 11.8 million people losing their health insurance.

Republicans aim to cut taxes and address federal debt but face a dilemma over popular Medicaid cuts; their solution is to impose work requirements.

The health care system remains fragmented and burdened by outdated manual processes, resulting in frustration for patients and providers alike, according to AHIP CEO Mike Tuffin.

Private insurance costs don't scale with income in the same way as public insurance, allowing high earners to find it cost-effective to choose private insurance.