Affordable Care Act Premiums Expected to Rise, Impacting 7 Million US Consumers

President Donald Trump's recent health advice warning pregnant women and children against taking acetaminophen has sparked significant concerns and backlash from global health authorities like the World Health Organization, which states there is no conclusive evidence linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism. The WHO emphasizes that pregnant women should continue to follow medical advice and that vaccines do not cause autism, countering misinformation. Meanwhile, healthcare challenges persist in other areas: the Inflation Reduction Act's implementation is causing shifts in Medicare drug plans, with some plans exiting the market and premiums changing, prompting calls for policymakers to monitor these trends closely. Additionally, more than 7 million people purchasing insurance through Affordable Care Act marketplaces face potentially steep premium hikes next year, threatening coverage affordability for nearly 5 million individuals unless Congress intervenes. Florida's efforts to expand Medicaid via a constitutional amendment have been delayed until 2028 due to stringent new limits on ballot initiatives. These developments collectively highlight ongoing tensions and challenges in U.S. healthcare policy and access.