The Daily Money: As layoffs continue, is it time to consider Medicare for all?

As companies lay off more workers, the issue of health care plans tied to jobs has resurfaced. Is it time for the U.S. to consider Medicare for all? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

The Daily Money ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW   Wednesday, August 17 It's Hump Day. The weekend moves within reach. It's Brett Molina with your Daily Money headlines for Wednesday. Let's start with some good news. Gas prices are finally plunging for many Americans (sorry, Californians). As of Wednesday, the average price for gas is $3.94, well below the $5 national average from June. In fact, many Southern states are approaching $3 a gallon, and could likely go below that price. Several factors are contributing to lower gas prices, most notably a drop in oil prices, but also lower demand by drivers and oil released from the strategic petroleum reserve to help ease pressure. The case for Medicare for All Inflation remains high, companies are laying off more workers and fears over a recession continue to linger. As a result, concerns have resurfaced over a system which leaves workers highly dependent on their jobs to receive health care benefits. And even with employee-provided health care, some Americans deal with higher deductibles and fears of an overwhelming medical bill. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law Tuesday by President Joe Biden, includes key provisions to enable Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. But should the U.S. go a step further, and consider Medicare for all? 📰 More stories you shouldn't miss 📰 Social Security benefits bump. Some retirees could see an extra $1,800 next year. Massachusetts sits on top. WalletHub says these are the best states to live in. Charitable donations hit record highs. However, they're coming from a smaller group of wealthy Americans. Living the suite life at sea? This residential ship lets you cruise full time. Hey, it worked for Zack and Cody. Flip phones are back. And it isn't only Samsung who's making them. 🍔 Today's Menu 🍔 I know it's August, but we're already witnessing pumpkin spice infiltrate our daily lives. The latest example: Dunkin' and Goldfish are partnering to create a new fall snack: Pumpkin Spice Grahams. About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer news from USA TODAY. We break down financial news and provide the TL;DR version: how decisions by the Federal Reserve, government and companies impact you. Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23. As companies lay off workers, is it time for Medicare for All? As more companies announce layoffs, the number of Americans dependent on a job for health care puts new spotlight on Medicare for All. Social Security checks could see additional $1,800 in 2023, on average Gas prices are dropping across the US. How low will they go? Massachusetts named best state to live in this year. Where does yours... Bad bosses don't get it. America's workers are fed up. OPINION Travelers can sail full-time on this new residential cruise ship As faith, homeownership and marriage rates decline, fewer young... Dodge announces compact, plug-in hybrid Hornet SUV: See the photos $59 tickets available with Southwest Airlines' latest sale We tasted the new Girl Scout Cookie, Raspberry Rally. What you should...   Problem viewing email? View in browser Unsubscribe • Manage Newsletters • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights • Privacy Notice • Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy • Feedback © 2022 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102