Group of cities sues Trump administration over new changes to Obamacare enrollment and eligibility
The rule, finalized on June 25, shortens the open enrollment period for Americans buying insurance on the marketplace and ends a monthly special enrollment period for people with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty line. It also introduces more preenrollment requirements, such as income verification checks.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimated last month between 725,000 and 1.8 million people could lose coverage due to the rule, but said the changes introduce new 'safeguards' against improper enrollment and overspending.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Maryland, was brought by the cities of Chicago, Baltimore and Columbus, Ohio, as well as an association of doctors and a non-profit network of small businesses that rely on the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
They allege that several parts of the new rule violate the ACA and other federal laws, and say the administration ran afoul of federal rulemaking procedures when it created the new policies, including by failing to respond to public comments submitted as the rule was being finalized.
'Rather than reducing the cost of insurance for consumers, or increasing their enrollment rates and benefits, Defendants' new policies will cause at least 1.8 million Americans to lose coverage on the ACA's health insurance Exchanges in 2026 alone and will ultimately result in higher premiums in the long term and higher out-of-pocket costs for the remaining enrollees,' attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs, represented by attorneys with Democracy Forward, are asking the court to wipe away the parts of the new rule they're challenging.
Spokespeople for CMS and its parent agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
Advocates for the Trump administration's rule changes say the ACA marketplace is rife with fraud because of expanded subsidies, or tax credits that keep Americans' monthly premiums low. Millions of people are enrolling in those low-cost plans even if their income makes them ineligible for heavily subsidized plans, according to conservative think tank Paragon Health Institute.
Congress expanded those subsidies in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the temporary tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025. The beefed-up subsidies helped drive a record 24 million people to sign up for coverage for 2025.
The new rule is set to take effect in late August. The House version of President Donald Trump's agenda bill would codify the rule into law, though the Senate legislation has different provisions, which would also tighten eligibility for subsidies and increase verification requirements.
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CNET
a minute ago
- CNET
This Is What Your Poop Is Trying to Tell You About Your Gut Health
While you may not regularly discuss your bowel movements with friends, it is still important to pay attention to them. After all, how often you poop, what your poop looks like and how long it takes you to poop can tell you a lot about your gut health, according to experts. To help you figure out what is normal versus unhealthy, we reached out to three gastroenterologists about everything you've ever wanted to know about your bowel movements. How often should you poop? You probably have someone in your family (if you're honest, maybe it's you) who's convinced they need to poop every morning. However, a healthy pooping schedule isn't the same for every person. You don't need to panic if you're not one of those people who goes to the bathroom like clockwork after your morning coffee. Dr. Lance Uradomo, an interventional gastroenterologist at City of Hope Orange County, explains, "The term 'regular' generally means that a person's bowel movement frequency is continuing without any change." In fact, the number of times you poop every week could vary dramatically from other people in your household with no cause for concern. Dr. Michael Schopis, gastroenterologist and attending physician at Manhattan Gastroenterology, says, "Normal poop frequency can range quite dramatically depending on the person. Pooping anywhere from every other day up to three to four times per day can be considered regular." As a general rule, Uradomo advises, "Three times a day to three times a week is considered a healthy range." However, the doctor warns, "It's important to recognize your own regular routine so that if the frequency suddenly changes, you can alert your doctor." Is it healthier to poop less or more often? Dr. Natasha Chhabra, a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey, says how often you poop may be less important than whether you're pooping enough. She explains, "Having adequate BMs [bowel movements] with complete evacuation is a great goal, as having a BM is one way our body rids itself of toxins and waste. Some can have a daily BM and still not feel that they have emptied." In other words, having less frequent but complete bowel movements may be healthier than having frequent small bowel movements. How often you should be pooping may also depend on how difficult it is for you to go number two. According to Schopis, "If it requires lots of straining and pushing to have a bowel movement or it requires you to spend 30 minutes on the toilet, then it's probably better for you to try and poop more often." He says you should introduce lifestyle changes to help induce pooping in this situation. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating high-fiber foods, staying hydrated and exercising as natural ways to prevent constipation. On the other hand, it's possible to poop too often. Schopis says, "If someone is going four to five times per day, it's watery and with significant urgency, then this person is probably pooping too much." The Mayo Clinic notes that everything from stomach viruses and bacterial infections to lactose intolerance may cause you to poop frequently. Antibiotics may also lead to temporary does healthy poop look like? Many doctors use the Bristol stool chart to help evaluate the health of bowel movements. The chart is a form scale, meaning that it rates stool based on factors like size and consistency. Bowel movements are rated from 1 to 7, with 1 being the most firm and 7 being entirely liquid. Bristol stool type 1-2: Rabbit or grape-like droppings that are quite hard and may be difficult to pass. Bristol stool type 3-4: Corn on the cob or sausage bowel movements that are soft and easy to pass. Bristol stool type 5-7: Mushy to liquid bowel movements that may or may not include some solid pieces. As Chhabra explains, "The middle of the chart (Bristol 3-4) describes a healthy BM, which is generally described as sausage or snake-like." Poop in these categories is also solid, while it may be either smooth or have some cracks on the surface. A healthy poop in the Bristol 3-4 categories indicates that someone is getting both enough water and enough fiber in their diet, according to Schopis. He notes that this type of stool is often easiest to pass, while "Bristol stool types 1-2 are often hard, pebbly and hard to pass, indicating constipation." If your poop floats, you could have excessive gas, be eating a diet with high-fat content or have a gastrointestinal tract issue. Your poop should sink more often than not. Color You also want to consider the color of your bowel movements. Uradomo reports that "healthy poop can be brown or even greenish but should never be black or contain blood. This could indicate the presence of cancer or other health problems." If your stool is particularly pale, you may want to talk to your doctor about your liver, pancreas and gallbladder health. Smell According to Mount Sinai Hospital, smell also matters. While poop is never meant to smell pleasant, if it suddenly has a new or particularly foul odor, you could be experiencing a condition like chronic pancreatitis or ulcerative colitis. The good news is that changes to your diet can also produce really stinky stool. So if you just have one seriously bad-smelling BM, it could be from eating or drinking something fermented or consuming a lot of garlic. How long should it take you to poop? It shouldn't take you more than a few minutes to poop. Schopis says, "Ideally, someone should spend 5 minutes or less without any pushing or straining to have a bowel movement." Chhabra agrees, explaining, "Spending more than a few minutes having a BM should raise concern for constipation, particularly if you are straining." Uradomo offers a little more leeway, saying, "It should take a person between 5 and 15 minutes on the toilet to have a bowel movement." He warns that sitting on the toilet for longer than that can "lead to problems such as hemorrhoids, reduced circulation or pelvic floor dysfunction." Dusanpetkovic/Getty Images What are the signs of an unhealthy bowel? There are several key signs that you may have an unhealthy bowel. These include: Pain: Frequent pain while pooping may be a cause for concern. This could mean your stool is too hard or there is a larger GI issue. Blood: Blood in the bowl after you poop may also signal an unhealthy bowel. Uradomo warns, "Blood in the stool can be caused by a relatively minor problem like hemorrhoids, but it may also be an indicator of cancer, bowel disease or major internal bleeding." You should monitor bleeding closely and consult your doctor. Loss of bowel control: If you experience bowel (fecal) incontinence, you may be experiencing weakened rectal or anal muscles. Muscle and nerve damage resulting from childbirth may also affect your ability to control bowel movements. Black stool: Uradomo warns that black or tarry-looking stools can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This includes your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Chronic diarrhea: If you often have diarrhea lasting more than a few days, you may be dealing with irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. Celiac disease can also cause frequent, pale diarrhea. When to talk to your doctor about your poop Any time you're experiencing painful pooping or the inability to have a bowel movement, it's worth talking to your doctor. The NHS warns that chronic constipation can lead to dangerous fecal impaction, and Healthline recommends seeking medical attention if it's been a full week without a bowel movement. Schopis says, "If you're finding that bowel movements control your life, either due to lack of frequency or going too much," it's a great idea to see a doctor. Black or bloody poop also signals that it's time for a medical evaluation. How to keep your poop healthy Sometimes lifestyle changes are all it takes to create healthier poop habits. For instance, make sure you drink enough water. Dehydration may lead to constipation or make your stool harder to pass. Chhabra also recommends eating fiber daily through whole fruits and vegetables. She says this "helps keep your bowel movements fuller and easier to pass." More specifically, Schopis advises people to aim for 2 to 3 liters of water per day and 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day to achieve healthy, normal bowel movements. Aside from this advice, you may want to consider exercising more to help your bowel run smoothly. The bottom line You don't need to poop every day, but you should track your habits and notice when there is a dramatic change. Symptoms like straining to poop or experiencing chronic diarrhea are signs that it's time to make an appointment with your doctor. In the meantime, eating fiber and drinking a lot of water are easy ways to help yourself to poop regularly.
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Flurry of trade deals offers relief for some Asian countries, while others wait
BANGKOK (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced trade deals with Japan and a handful of other Asian countries that will relieve some pressure on companies and consumers from sharply higher tariffs on their exports to the United States. A deal with China is under negotiation, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying an Aug. 12 deadline might be postponed again to allow more time for talks. Steep tariffs on U.S. imports of steel and aluminum remain, however, and many other countries, including South Korea and Thailand, have yet to clinch agreements. Overall, economists say the tariffs inevitably will dent growth in Asia and the world. The deals reached so far, ahead of Trump's Aug. 1 deadline Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a deal Wednesday that will impose 15% tariffs on U.S. imports from Japan, down from Trump's proposed 25% 'reciprocal' tariffs. It was a huge relief for automakers like Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda, whose shares jumped by double digits in Tokyo. Trump also announced trade deals with the Philippines and Indonesia. After meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Trump said the import tax on products from his country would be subject to a 19% tariff, down just 1% from the earlier threat of a 20% tariff. Indonesia also will face a 19% tariff, down from the 32% rate Trump had recently said would apply, and it committed to eliminating nearly all of its trade barriers for imports of American goods. Earlier, Trump announced that Vietnam's exports would face a 20% tariff, with double that rate for goods transshipped from China, though there has been no formal announcement. Talks with China may be extended Negotiations with China are subject to an Aug. 12 deadline, but it's likely to be extended, Bessent told Fox Business on Tuesday. He said the two sides were due to hold another round of talks, this time in Sweden, early next week. Meanwhile, Trump said a trip to China may happen soon, hinting at efforts to stabilize U.S.-China trade relations. A preliminary agreement announced in June paved the way for China to lift some restrictions on its exports of rare earths, minerals critical for high technology and other manufacturing. In May, the U.S. agreed to drop Trump's 145% tariff rate on Chinese goods to 30% for 90 days, while China agreed to lower its 125% rate on U.S. goods to 10%. The reprieve allowed companies more time to rush to try to beat the potentially higher tariffs, giving a boost to Chinese exports and alleviating some of the pressure on its manufacturing sector. But prolonged uncertainty over what Trump might do has left companies wary about committing to further investment in China. No deals yet for South Korea and other Asian countries Pressure is mounting on some countries in Asia and elsewhere as the Aug. 1 deadline for striking deals approaches. Trump sent letters, posted on Truth Social, outlining higher tariffs some countries will face if they fail to reach agreements. He said they'd face even higher tariffs if they retaliate by raising their own import duties. South Korea's is set at 25%. Imports from Myanmar and Laos would be taxed at 40%, Cambodia and Thailand at 36%, Serbia and Bangladesh at 35%, South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina at 30% and Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Tunisia at 25%. Nearly every country has faced a minimum 10% levy on goods entering the U.S. since April, on top of other sectoral levies. Economists expect tariffs to sap growth even with trade deals Even after Trump has pulled back from the harshest of his threatened tariffs, the onslaught of uncertainty and higher costs for both manufacturers and consumers has raised risks for the regional and global economy. Economists have been downgrading their estimates for growth in 2025 and beyond. The Asian Development Bank said Wednesday it had cut its growth estimate for economies in developing Asia and the Pacific to 4.7% in 2025 and 4.6% in 2026, down 0.2 percentage points and 0.1 percentage points. The outlook for the region could be further dimmed by an escalation of tariffs and trade friction, it said. 'Other risks include conflicts and geopolitical tensions that could disrupt global supply chains and raise energy prices,' as well as a deterioration in China's ailing property market. Economists at AMRO were less optimistic, expecting growth for Southeast Asia and other major economies in Asia at 3.8% in 2025 and 3.6% next year. While countries in the region have moved to protect their economies from Trump's trade shock, they face significant uncertainties, said AMRO's chief economist, Dong He. 'Uneven progress in tariff negotiations and the potential expansion of tariffs to additional products could further disrupt trade activities and weigh on growth for the region,' he said. Elaine Kurtenbach, The Associated Press
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How the dropping dollar could scramble Trump's agenda
President Trump and his aides are closely watching the US dollar's drop over the first six months of this year as they track a change that could have wide-ranging effects, from how tariffs are felt to Federal Reserve policy to America's role in the world. The question, which notably remains a somewhat open one even among Trump's aides, is whether the net effects may include at least some positive short-term consequences for the president's agenda or whether the dollar needs to be strengthened at all costs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick offered a limited case for a weaker dollar on CBS over the weekend when he responded to a question about rising consumer prices by saying that "the dollar declining sort of softens tariffs completely." The currency's moves so far this year — which have surprised some economists who expected Trump's tariffs to put pressure in the other direction — could indeed boost exports but could also complicate Trump's goals for the coming months, primarily by pushing prices up for US consumers of foreign goods. Trump himself remains very much in the strong dollar camp, as he reiterated just a few days ago, saying that he is "never going to let the dollar slide." The only way that could happen, he added, is "if you have a dummy" as president. The somewhat mixed messaging comes as the US dollar index — a measure of the US currency against various foreign currencies — has fallen significantly and is now down almost 10% since Inauguration Day. Declines in recent days have put the currency, as of Tuesday afternoon, near two-year lows. It's a change that, if it sticks, will have varied consequences for Trump's agenda — and not just on the trade front. RSM's Joe Brusuelas offered in a note this week that a weakening dollar tends to be followed by inflation pressure — "but it usually takes nine to 12 months" — which could work most directly against Trump's keen interest in lower interest rates. If the dollar holds or declines further, the economist wrote, "such a scenario will most likely lead the Federal Reserve to hold its policy rate steady through the end of the year at best" due to inflation uncertainty. 'People vote with their feet' The somewhat surprising dollar moves so far this year have also spurred some concerns that recent declines could be early signs of a loss of faith from global investors. As JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon put it recently, "people vote with their feet," and "if people decide that the U.S. dollar isn't the place to be ... that will become a problem." Eurasia Group's Ian Bremmer added in a recent analysis that the dollar's role as the world's global reserve currency is likely safe for now, but the US is entering a period where investment trends "could start a long term slide to become closer to parity in trust and utility with the Euro." Some analysts are pushing back, saying the evidence isn't there (at least yet) for a long-term slide. A recent analysis from Monty Gandhi at the SMBC Group called the flows away from the dollar "still more myth than reality" and found that "speculative positioning may reflect short-term bearishness on the dollar, actual capital flows continue to favor U.S. assets." Another note of skepticism about any long-term effects came from Torsten Sløk, chief economist at Apollo Global Management, who wrote in a note that his expectation is that if the trade uncertainty is resolved, "the US dollar is expected to appreciate again" after what he describes as a rebound in demand for US assets that began in May. (Disclosure: Yahoo Finance is owned by Apollo Global Management.) It's also a narrative that the White House pushes hard against, with Trump taking an aggressive stance against BRICs, an intergovernmental organization comprising 10 countries that had floated a long-shot idea of a common currency. "They wanted to try and take over the dollar," the president said. Trump promised a 10% tariff in response and gloated last week that the group's influence is "fading out fast," likening the possible loss of the dollar's status as a reserve currency to "losing a world war." "Ten-year Treasury yields rallying down since Inauguration Day, four consecutive expectation-beating inflation reports, and the trillions in historic investment commitments that have poured into the United States since Election Day are all indicative of the confidence that investors and markets continue to have in our economy and currency," added White House spokesperson Kush Desai in a statement. Read more: What is the 10-year Treasury note, and how does it affect your finances? A long-simmering Trump-world debate This summer's focus on the dollar is just the latest in a debate within Trump's orbit that stretches back even before the 2024 election around whether the dollar is overvalued. As the Atlantic Council recently put it: "What's the Trump administration's dollar strategy? It depends on who you ask." On one side historically are figures like Stephen Miran, the chair of Trump's Council of Economic Advisers, who touted the idea of a "Mar-A-Lago accord" last year, before he joined the administration, that was largely built on a premise that the US dollar is "persistently overvalued" and that tariff inflation can be avoided if currency issues are also addressed simultaneously. His argument was that tackling the currency question alongside tariffs could rebound in America's favor on a variety of fronts — from the national debt to national security arrangements to providing a boost to US businesses. It was an argument that Lutnick appeared to resurface in part over the weekend. It's also a line of thinking that has faced clear resistance from other aides (and apparently from Trump himself) who shy away from any public suggestion that the Trump administration is interested in lessening the US dollar's strength. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent — a former currency trader himself — has repeatedly downplayed the dropping dollar, saying that "it's natural for currencies to go up and down and what we've seen is not out of the ordinary." Bessent is often quick to note that the dollar also declined in 2017 — the beginning of Trump's first term — but then rose in the following years. He often casts the moves — as he did on CNBC earlier this month — as better understood as a strengthening of the euro instead of a weakening of the dollar. So far, at least, Trump's actions have focused on one side of Miran's thesis, the implementation of tariffs, but with much less focus on his corollary currency ideas beyond things like a mention of "currency practices" in his "Liberation Day" tariffs executive order. It has even led Miran to offer some distance from his own paper and, on possible currency actions, to suggest "could it be something that is entertained down the road? Sure." Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
