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Australia leader defends social media ban as teens brag about staying online

Australia leader defends social media ban as teens brag about staying online

By Byron Kaye SYDNEY, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged some young people were still on social media a day after a world-first ban on under-16s went live, saying the rollout was always going to be bumpy but would ultimately save lives.

Over 10,000 Massachusetts Residents Drop Health Insurance Plans for 2026

Over 10,000 Massachusetts Residents Drop Health Insurance Plans for 2026

More than 10,000 residents in Massachusetts have dropped their health insurance plans for 2026 due to rising premiums. The plans, obtained through a state exchange, have become increasingly unaffordable for many. This development raises concerns about access to healthcare and the financial burden on individuals and families. The situation reflects broader issues within the healthcare system, including the challenge of balancing costs and coverage.

Federal Health Policy Shifts Under Trump Administration Impact Medicaid and Hospital Funding

Federal Health Policy Shifts Under Trump Administration Impact Medicaid and Hospital Funding

The Trump administration has initiated significant changes in healthcare policy, affecting Medicaid funding, ACA subsidies, and hospital finances. These changes are part of a broader shift in the federal government's approach to health technology. A recent roundtable at the Fierce Health Payer Summit discussed these developments, highlighting Medicaid cuts, coverage losses, and the preparation of hospitals for reduced government funding. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is also introducing a new health tech ecosystem, while pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform remains under scrutiny.

Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16, Raising Questions for U.S.

Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16, Raising Questions for U.S.

Australia has become the first country to ban social media for children under 16, a move aimed at protecting young people from online dangers such as cyberbullying and mental health issues. The ban requires social media companies to prevent access to platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for users under 16, with significant fines for non-compliance. This decision has sparked debate about whether similar measures could be adopted in the United States, where concerns about the impact of social media on youth are also prevalent.

FACT FOCUS: Trump blames Biden for the agricultural trade deficit. It's not that simple

FACT FOCUS: Trump blames Biden for the agricultural trade deficit. It's not that simple

As President Donald Trump announced a $12 billion farm aid package this week to help U.S. farmers hurt by tariffs, he placed responsibility for the U.S. agricultural trade deficit on former President Joe Biden

Trump Administration Proposes Social Media Scrutiny for Foreign Visitors

Trump Administration Proposes Social Media Scrutiny for Foreign Visitors

The Trump administration is proposing a new requirement for travelers from 42 countries under the visa waiver program to submit their social media activity from the past five years for review. This proposal, filed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, aims to enhance security measures for those applying for electronic travel authorization, which allows visitors to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. Currently, applicants must provide basic contact information and pay a fee. The new requirement would add the submission of personal and business phone numbers, email addresses, and family details. The proposal has faced criticism from First Amendment advocates who argue it could lead to self-censorship and undermine the U.S.'s commitment to free speech.

High-Deductible Health Plans Enroll Over Half of U.S. Workers, Raising Financial Risks

High-Deductible Health Plans Enroll Over Half of U.S. Workers, Raising Financial Risks

A comprehensive analysis by the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC) at the University of Minnesota reveals that 51.7% of U.S. private-sector workers are now enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). This shift is largely driven by employers' attempts to manage rising healthcare costs. The report highlights that annual family premiums have increased to $24,540 in 2024, surpassing inflation rates, while average family deductibles have exceeded $4,000 for the first time. This trend indicates a significant transfer of financial risk from employers to employees, posing a challenge for the 182 million Americans who depend on employer-sponsored insurance for healthcare coverage.

Chinese Robot Manufacturers Target U.S. Market for Higher Margins

Chinese Robot Manufacturers Target U.S. Market for Higher Margins

Chinese Robot Manufacturers Target U.S. Market for Higher Margins

Jim Wyckoff Reports on Record Highs in Gold and Silver Markets

Jim Wyckoff Reports on Record Highs in Gold and Silver Markets

Jim Wyckoff Reports on Record Highs in Gold and Silver Markets

Senate Democrats Push for ACA Tax Credit Extension Amid House Proposals

Senate Democrats Push for ACA Tax Credit Extension Amid House Proposals

The Senate is poised to vote on a Democratic proposal aimed at extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which are set to expire on December 31. These credits, initially introduced under the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2021, have allowed more Americans to afford health insurance through the ACA marketplace. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced that Democrats will push for a vote on a bill that seeks a three-year extension of these credits, capping premiums at 8.5% of income. However, the bill faces significant hurdles, requiring 60 votes to advance in a Senate where Republicans hold a majority. Concurrently, House Republicans have introduced alternative proposals, including the Moreno-Collins CARE Act and the Cassidy-Crapo framework, which offer different approaches to managing the expiring credits.

President Trump's Health Account Proposal Leaves Millions in Debt

President Trump's Health Account Proposal Leaves Millions in Debt

President Trump's proposal for health accounts, paired with high-deductible health plans, has been implemented in the past, resulting in significant medical debt for many Americans. Sarah Monroe, a middle-class resident from Cleveland, experienced this firsthand when she was diagnosed with a heart condition during her pregnancy, leading to over $13,000 in medical debt despite having insurance. High-deductible plans require individuals to pay substantial out-of-pocket costs before insurance coverage begins, a model that has gained attention from GOP leaders as an alternative to government-subsidized healthcare. These plans were initially intended to empower patients to seek cost-effective care, but have often resulted in financial strain due to rising medical costs and the impracticality of shopping for complex medical services.

Supreme Court Decision Fuels Vaccine Skepticism Amid Parental Rights Debate

Supreme Court Decision Fuels Vaccine Skepticism Amid Parental Rights Debate

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned a New York court's decision mandating vaccinations for all school students, citing parental rights to religious upbringing. This decision aligns with a broader conservative movement emphasizing parental rights in public health and education. The ruling comes as the Department of Health and Human Services investigates a Midwest school for allegedly vaccinating a child with a religious exemption. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, now influenced by vaccine skeptics, has also revised its hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for newborns, suggesting parents delay the shot until the child is two months old. This shift reflects growing parental rights arguments in public health policy, which have been bolstered by misinformation and skepticism surrounding vaccines.