Americans shopping for 2026 Obamacare health insurance plans are facing a more than doubling of monthly premiums on average and are likely to postpone signing up in hopes of a last-minute reprieve, or walk away, health experts say.
COVID-19 pandemic-era subsidies, due to expire at year-end, are at the center of the month-long U.S. government shutdown, with the potential to affect election outcomes and increase the rate of U.S. uninsured.
Anyone notice a comparatively lackluster Halloween turnout this year compared to the previous 2 years? I sure did.
Can’t blame people… Economy sucks, prices high, and the spirits of many are broken.
Open enrollment for insurance is active right now across the country and people are starting to realize the pain that’s coming their way.
Businesses are going to realize consumer spending is low on the holidays.
The absence of tourism and snowbirds is beginning to start now and the effects peak in Spring.
There were a LOT of trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood this year, and maybe one third of the houses had their porch lights on as usual
Interesting! Theories on why? What economic class is your neighborhood?
Is it possible there were less houses with lights on due to financial strain, and is it possible the perception of number of treaters was skewed due to there being less houses to hit, thereby concentrating those treaters?
Lots of middle class American families with children; I’m sure the numbers were similar to other years (we are new here this year, but our neighbors have said as much).
I think candy being like $49 a bag for Halloween-sized bulk probably had something to do with it. Plus everyone has to be feeling the squeeze. Gasoline prices here aren’t as hard hit since it’s a fairly costal area so we are close to ports in the region; but food prices here just have not quit and if I’m already overpaying for groceries then I’m not spending $150 extra just to have enough to give away to the large number of kids.
We also were out slightly later (6pm start time) so perhaps some houses closed up before we got there?