Joining us now is Dr. . Zeke Emanuel, vice provost of global initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania. He served as a health policy adviser in the Obama administration, was a key architect of the Affordable Care Act.He's also the author of the upcoming book, Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life. Doctor, it's great to have you here with us. Skyrocketing premiums could force millions of people to make real difficult choices such as paying for their day-to-day living expenses o ...

Core Insights - The perception of financial security at age 50 with $3 million and a $1 million house is increasingly challenged by rising costs, longer lifespans, and changing expectations in today's economy [1][2][4] - Many individuals in similar financial situations feel less secure than anticipated, often due to real financial pressures rather than just mindset [2] Financial Accomplishments - Achieving a net worth of $3 million by age 50 is a significant accomplishment that often requires sacrifices, such as enduring a stressful job or living below one's means [3] - Acknowledging financial successes is important, but it is equally crucial to understand that modern financial freedom differs greatly from previous generations [4] Retirement Planning - Setting clear financial goals is essential for assessing progress; for instance, a 50-year-old with $3 million aiming for $6 million by age 65 can potentially reach that goal without additional contributions, assuming modest gains [5] - A $3 million portfolio can generate approximately $120,000 annually at a 4% withdrawal rate, but healthcare costs can significantly impact retirement savings [6]

Healthcare Affordability & Policy - The discussion centers on the high cost of living, particularly housing, groceries, and electricity, with concerns that Republican refusal to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits will dramatically increase healthcare costs for millions [7][8] - Democrats claim to be focused on driving down the high cost of living, while Republicans are accused of lying about addressing inflationary pressures and now dismissing the affordability crisis as a hoax [8][10][11] - A bipartisan bill framework involving Representatives Gottheimer and Kiggans has been introduced as a potential path to ACA renewal [15] - 214 Democrats have signed a discharge petition to extend ACA tax credits for three years, needing only four House Republican votes to pass [16] - Senate Democrats, led by Leader Schumer, will force an up-or-down vote on extending ACA tax credits [17][18] - House Republicans are criticized for a "my way or the highway" approach, showing no interest in bipartisan solutions to fix the broken healthcare system and address the Republican-created healthcare crisis [20][21] - There's a possibility of a healthcare bill passing the Senate but failing in the House due to Republican opposition [22] Political Strategy & Redistricting - The Supreme Court's ruling on Texas redistricting is viewed as rubber-stamping a racially gerrymandered map engineered by Texas Republicans at Donald Trump's order [3] - Despite the adverse ruling, efforts will continue to ensure fair maps across the country, with California's Prop 50 cited as an example [3] - The speaker calls on more traditional or swing-seat Republicans to pressure their leadership to allow a vote on extending ACA tax credits [23]

Company Performance - Disney beat earnings expectations but missed on revenue [1] - TV networks and a soft theatrical slate weighed on results [1] Strategic Focus - Discussion of Disney's streaming strategy [1] - Focus on theme parks [1] Industry Issues - Discussion of the YouTube TV blackout [1] - Explanation of rising insurance premiums [1] - Examination of the path ahead for the ACA (Affordable Care Act) [1] - Analysis of what it will take to rein in the country's soaring health care costs [1] Government & Policy - Government starting to reopen after President Trump signed a funding bill, ending the shutdown [1]

Healthcare Industry Challenges - Healthcare insurance premiums are likely to rise sharply next year [1] - The current healthcare system sees inflation far outpace inflation in other arenas [3] - High cost of healthcare, drug development, and skyrocketing healthcare costs in facilities contribute to a system built 80 years ago with built-in inflation [6] - 100 million Americans don't have access to employer-sponsored health insurance [6] - If the uninsured rate increases, it will reverse to an $80 billion problem over the next 10 years [7][8] Affordable Care Act (ACA) Impact - 50% of American small businesses use the Affordable Care Act, and small businesses contribute 50% of the GDP [4] - 27% of farmers use the Affordable Care Act, with the average farmer making $60,000 per year gross [4] - The Affordable Care Act has reduced the uninsured rate from 15% to 8%, saving $10 billion per year in uncompensated care and charity costs [7] - 75% of the people in the ACA today are from red states [5] Proposed Solutions & Perspectives - Proposes creating a qualified account for healthcare spending, putting consumers in charge of buying the product to impact price [9][10] - Suggests redoing the whole system and using the individual market as a single risk pool [12] - Advocates for subsidies to be put into Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) [14] - 40% of Americans borrowed $74.9 billion from banks last year to pay their out-of-pocket costs for healthcare [15] - Argues for evolving the current system, emphasizing the network and risk pool concepts [17][18]

Government Shutdown & Fiscal Policy - The House is expected to vote to reopen the government after a shutdown of over 50 days [4][13] - Democrats claim Republicans are blindly loyal to Donald Trump and not interested in addressing the rising costs impacting American people [6] - Republicans accuse Democrats of filibustering important spending bills, including those for food stamps, air traffic controllers, and TSA agents [64] - A potential government shutdown looms in January, with a 50/50 chance of it occurring [12][84] - Discussions around healthcare and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are needed, as rates are increasing for the American people [85][88] Healthcare & ACA - Democrats emphasize the issue of affordability, stating Republicans have done nothing but raise prices for working families [11] - The debate over extending Obamacare subsidies is ongoing, with potential votes in the House and Senate [12] - Republicans express concerns about the structure of ACA subsidies, alleging waste, fraud, and abuse, with funds padding the pockets of insurance companies [68] - There is a need to address the rising cost of healthcare, with potential negotiations and conversations to reform or replace Obamacare [64][69] - The President suggests sending cash directly to people to negotiate with insurers, but Democrats are asking for the Republican plan to replace or reform Obamacare [69] Epstein Files & Transparency - Newly released emails related to Jeffrey Epstein are intensifying scrutiny over President Trump's relationship with the disgraced financier [3][19][44] - A discharge petition to release the Epstein files has reached 218 signatures, potentially leading to a vote in early December [3][14][16] - The White House claims the emails are a distraction from the Democrats as they try to navigate the shutdown [22] - There are legal questions surrounding the emails and whether they create legal exposure for President Trump [48] - The release of the files is about accountability and listening to the demands of the American people [17] Economic Indicators & Federal Reserve - Subprime borrowers at least 60 days past due on car payments are rising to 665%, the highest rate since data collection started 30 years ago [80] - The Atlanta Fed President plans to retire at the end of his current term in February [57] - A potential quarter-point rate cut by the Federal Reserve is in question, with policymakers divided about the outlook for policy [61]

Joining us now, a couple of Capitol Hill insiders. Former Republican Congressman Garrett Graves from Louisiana and Michael Hardaway, former spokesperson for Democratic leader Hakee Jeff. And I know Michael, you're trying to get that if in your ear so you can hear when we play those sound bites.Good to have you both as part of this conversation. Thanks so much. Here we are, day two of the shutdown.Congress isn't in session. We just listened to uh at least Speaker Johnson talk this morning about the pain that ...

But politically it's such an obvious thing they are making health care they would be making health care costs go up for Americans in January. Do you think Republicans who are vulnerable who face tough races recogn to me it seems like they are the ones who are going to push this to a deal. I I hope you are right but understand watch what's happening in the White House right now.Their response is what on health care to lie about it, right. They say no, no, the Democrats are trying to cover uh uh illegal alien ...

E-commerce & Tariffs - The de minimis exemption, allowing tariff-free entry for packages under $800, is ending, impacting online shoppers and businesses [1] - Previously, the de minimis exemption was closed for China and Hong Kong, affecting retailers like Shein and Temu; now it's expanding to the rest of the world [1] - Smaller businesses are expected to be hit harder by the tariff changes as they may lack the margins to absorb the increased costs [1] - Tariffs could range from 10% to 50% depending on the country and product, potentially leading to price increases for consumers [1] - Global shippers are pausing shipments to the US due to the changes, which may cause delays and fewer choices for consumers [1] Mortgage & Refinancing - Mortgage originations increased to a nearly three-year high in the second quarter, driven by purchases and cash-out refinances [1] - Cash-out refinances accounted for 59% of all refinance transactions, with 70% of borrowers taking on higher rates to tap into their home equity [1] - Mortgage rates are averaging around 656%, the lowest since last October, presenting a potential opportunity for some homeowners [1] - Home equity hit a record of $178 trillion nationwide [1][4] - For conforming, jumbo, and FHA loans, a 12-month waiting period is required for cash-out refinancing; VA loans require 210 days [1][10] Retirement & Healthcare Costs - A 65-year-old retiring this year is estimated to spend approximately $172500 out-of-pocket on medical expenses throughout retirement, a 4% increase from last year [1][18] - Assisted living apartments average over $74000 per year in 2024, while costs for dementia patients can exceed $94000 annually [1][18] - 20% of Americans have not factored healthcare into their retirement plans [1][20] - Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer tax-free contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses [1][21] - Healthcare costs could represent approximately 15% of annual living expenses in retirement [1][28] Financial Security & Student Loans - Individuals should check their credit reports from all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and place a credit freeze to protect against identity theft [1][31][32] - Parent PLUS loans are now capped at $20000 per child with a $65000 lifetime maximum; graduate PLUS loans are eliminated entirely [1][35] - A new lifetime borrowing cap of $257600 exists across all federal student loan programs [1][36] - A new balance-based repayment plan ties the repayment term to the amount owed, with a default option called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) [1][36][37] - All old student loan repayment plans will phase out by July 2028 [1][37]

Retirement Planning Essentials - To achieve a fulfilling retirement, a robust savings and income strategy is essential, alongside considering lifestyle, relationships, and emotional well-being [2] - Research indicates that money, relationships (especially with a partner and friends), and health are key predictors of retirement satisfaction, with money's impact leveling off around $45 million [10] - Retirement should not be viewed as an extended weekend but requires planning for social engagement and habits to avoid boredom and social isolation [19][20] - Financial planning tools can help individuals understand their expenses, factor in inflation and potential healthcare costs, and build confidence in their retirement plan [73][74] Retirement Expenses and Income - Replacing pre-retirement lifestyle may require replacing approximately 84% of pre-retirement salary, considering savings and payroll taxes [27] - The average 65-year-old individual may spend around $165,000 on healthcare during retirement, excluding potential long-term care costs which could add another $117,000 per person for private-room nursing care [53][54] - Strategies for covering later-in-life healthcare expenses include budgeting with higher-than-average inflation for healthcare and considering a Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC) to offset rising costs in later years [56][57] - Guaranteed income sources, such as Social Security, pensions, and annuities, provide steady, predictable payments and can alleviate spending stress in retirement [100][103] Housing and Relocation Considerations - Relocating in retirement involves considering cost-of-living factors, taxes, proximity to hobbies or family, and potential aging costs, such as house upkeep and access to healthcare [38][39][42][43] - Research suggests that while living in one's own home generally leads to greater happiness until the 80s, transitioning to shared living environments may be beneficial in later years due to increased social interaction [45] Investment Strategies - The "4% rule" suggests withdrawing 4% of savings in the first year of retirement and adjusting for inflation annually, but its security may be less certain today due to longer lifespans and potentially lower future returns [122][123][124][125] - A flexible spending strategy, involving adjusting spending based on market performance, may be preferable to the rigid 4% rule [126][127]