Economy

Medicare Advantage health plans have enrolled nearly 27 million members, or about 45% of people eligible for Medicare. A recent analysis finds Medicare overpaid the private health plans by more than $106 billion from 2010 through 2019 because of the way t

Medicare Advantage's cost to taxpayers has soared in recent years, research finds

5:00am November 11, 2021

by Fred Schulte

An alternative to original Medicare, the private plans are run mostly by major insurers. A recent analysis estimates Medicare overpaid these insurers by $106 billion from 2010 through 2019.

Inflation surges to its highest since 1990

4:52pm November 10, 2021

by Scott Horsley

Consumer prices were 6.2% higher in October than a year ago as inflation continues to chip away at the buying power of households across the country.

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White House economic adviser weighs in on the inflation spike and spending plan

4:37pm November 10, 2021

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with White House economic adviser Brian Deese as inflation soars to its highest in 30 years.

Economy

The Labor Department is releasing the latest inflation data

8:53am November 10, 2021

The Labor Department reports Wednesday on consumer prices for October. Inflation has been running hotter than many Americans are used to, and it's taking a political toll on President Biden.

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The super rich push back against calls for a wealth tax

6:22am November 10, 2021

by David Gura

During the pandemic U.S. billionaires saw their wealth increase by more than $1 trillion. The majority of that increase is not taxed because their net worth is tied up in the stocks they own.

Rising food prices have resulted in both food insecurity and improvisation

4:59pm November 09, 2021

by Laurel Wamsley

The cost of many foods — especially beef, pork and poultry — is rising fast, largely due to supply chain issues. For many, that can mean hard decisions at the grocery store.

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The holidays are nearing, and merchandise meant to be on shelves is still on ships

4:59pm November 09, 2021

by Scott Horsley

With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, many businesses are still waiting for critical cargo that's stuck in traffic at ports. The race is on to unload containers to reach store shelves.

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Economy

Infrastructure bill expected to bring lower prices, more jobs

5:01pm November 07, 2021

The fate of Biden's Build Back Better bill is uncertain. Professor Christelle Khalaf tells NPR's Michel Martin that it could have huge effects on day to day life in this country.

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Week In Politics: House passes $1 trillion infrastructure bill

2:56pm November 06, 2021

by Ron Elving

We look at the latest push - and resistance - to the passage of President Biden's $1.75 trillion social spending bill, as well as what this week's elections mean for the Democratic party.

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House passes stripped-down infrastructure bill, pushing off many of Biden's wants

2:56pm November 06, 2021

by Deirdre Walsh

The House passed the trillion-dollar legislation known as the "Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill" and set up another vote for President Biden's "Build Back Better" plan.

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