Apple News Today Why this year’s flu season feels so much worse
12 snips
Jan 7, 2026 Health-care subsidies have expired, leaving many families struggling with rising insurance costs. Flu season is particularly severe this year, with an influx of patients and new variants complicating vaccination efforts. Meanwhile, suspicious betting on a crypto platform has raised eyebrows after a significant wager on Nicolás Maduro's ousting paid off just before his capture. Additionally, discussions surround military options in Greenland and the implications of Trump's recent Venezuelan oil deal.
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Subsidy Expiry Fueling Price Shock
- ACA premium subsidies expired and caused average premium spikes of 114% for over 20 million enrollees.
- Insurers pulling out of markets creates local monopolies that further drive up prices.
A Cancer Patient Drops Coverage
- Richard Hernandez dropped coverage after his monthly premium jumped from about $900 to almost $2,300.
- He said it was "totally unaffordable" and plans to gamble until Medicare.
Family Priced Out Despite Health Needs
- Stacey and Derek Newton faced a single insurer asking $43,000 a year, about one-third of their gross income.
- Stacey, who was diagnosed with leukemia last year, risks leaving standard coverage because they cannot afford the cost.