BUSINESS

The treasury management system, built on Ripple’s 2025 acquisition of GTreasury, lets CFOs view and manage digital assets alongside fiat in a single dashboard without separate custody or wallet infrastructure.

Thanks to brilliant pitching by Gavin Williams, the Guardians return to Cleveland for their home opener with a winning, 4-3 record.

The expiration of enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025 is now reshaping the Affordable Care Act marketplace in 2026, with higher premiums hitting households and forcing difficult coverage decisions.While policymakers failed to extend the subsidies, the real-world impact is becoming clear, according to Jae Oh, author of Maximize Your Medicare. Consumers are paying more, adjusting coverage and, in some cases, dropping out of the system altogether.But the data also shows something unexpected, Oh said in an interview.Enrollment declined by roughly 2 million people, far below earlier projections that suggested losses could reach as high as 10 million.And that gap underscores a key reality. Even as costs rise, many households still view health insurance as essential.Below is a transcript of the interview with Oh, edited for clarity and brevity.Robert Powell: We’re in the new year, and that means concerns about whether people would enroll in the Affordable Care Act, given that the enhanced premium tax credit expired at the end of 2025. What does that mean for households? We’re here with Jae Oh, CFP, author of Maximize Your Medicare, to discuss what’s happening with the ACA. Jae, welcome.Jae Oh: Bob, thanks for having me again.Enrollment declines, but less than expectedPowell: Where should we begin?Oh: We’re now seeing the first statistics for the Affordable Care Act in 2026. As we’ve discussed before, the enhanced premium tax credit expired at the end of 2025, and there was no resolution. That means higher premiums have taken effect, and households are feeling it.What surprised me is that enrollment declined by about 2 million people. That actually seemed low to me. I would have expected a higher number.Powell: If memory serves, some projections suggested as many as 10 million people might not re-enroll due to higher premiums.Oh: There may have been some hysteria in those projections. But two things stand out.First, people have become accustomed to the ACA. For individuals with preexisting conditions or those with lower modified adjusted gross income, the system provides a stabilizing effect. Even with flaws such as billing complexity and network issues, households recognize its value.

Jae Oh, Maximize Your Medicare

Consumers shift to lower-cost coverageSecond, people appear to be adjusting their coverage rather than dropping it altogether. Many are choosing weaker plans to maintain some level of protection.For example, a healthy 29-year-old may not need a platinum plan. They may rarely visit a doctor but still want protection against catastrophic events. That trade-off makes sense for many households.That said, higher premiums – sometimes $20,000 to $30,000 annually – are real for certain individuals in certain locations. All of these factors can exist at the same time.Health insurance as a core household expensePowell: Health care expenses are an essential part of a household budget. The cost of going without coverage could be far greater than the premium if something goes wrong.Oh: And that varies by household. One benefit of the ACA is that it resets annually. A person might choose a lower-cost plan one year, then upgrade coverage the next year if circumstances change, such as planning a family.That flexibility is not widely understood.Options for those who dropped coveragePowell: What advice would you give the roughly 2 million people who dropped their ACA plans?Oh: One important change is that regulators are no longer strictly enforcing limits on short-term health insurance renewals. That allows some consumers to maintain a thinner layer of coverage for longer periods.In addition, there are standalone policies – such as cancer-only or stroke-only coverage – that may help financially constrained households.These options are not perfect, but they can provide some level of protection.The importance of understanding coveragePowell: Where should consumers go for help –  Healthcare.gov or an adviser?Oh: I’m biased, but I believe people need clear explanations. Many misunderstand how insurance works. Some expect immediate discounts rather than understanding the structure of coverage.If you start with the wrong assumptions, you set incorrect expectations. That leads to frustration.Consumers should begin with a clear understanding of how plans work, then evaluate what fits their budget and household needs.Policy outlook remains uncertainPowell: Do you see any chance the enhanced premium tax credit returns after the midterms?Oh: It’s difficult to see that path. The enhanced credit was popular, but whether it could pass again – and overcome regulatory resistance – is uncertain. I would not count on it.System complexity continues to create uncertaintyPowell: Anything else we should emphasize?Oh: We will continue to see headlines about network disputes and coverage changes.For example, in Michigan, there were concerns that a major insurer and a large health system would part ways. That created panic. But in most cases, these disputes are resolved because both sides need to serve the population.The system is complicated, and that complexity can be unsettling for consumers.Related: Millennials are the Most Under Insured Generation

Bitcoin and other risk assets have been whipsawed by President Donald J. Trump’s shifting rhetoric on Iran. Here are some indicators that help cut through the noise.

AI data centers are rewriting the global electricity market. Here’s what entrepreneurs should know.

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealIf you’re a techie that’s always on the hunt for the next big thing, then we’ve got something you’re going to love. While a full-sized laptop can often be convenient and useful for work, it’s not always the most practical option. Those who like the convenience of a single device for going between work and personal use know that there’s no better way to do so than with a good two-in-one laptop and tablet combo. Amazon has some of the best, and one of them is currently on sale for an amazing price.The Cupeisi 10-Inch Android 15 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet is currently available for just $59. However, if you don’t put one in your cart ASAP, you may not get another chance. Deals this good usually sell out before many shoppers can even get their hands on them.Cupeisi 10-Inch Android 15 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, $59 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?If it’s high-spec electronics that you’re looking for, then you’ve found it in this convenient little computer. It has 8 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and 32 GB of ROM. You even have the option to expand the memory up to 1 terabyte (TB). This can be done by simply adding additional memory via a micro SD card into the corresponding port on the device. It’s an easy way to take a very good laptop and make it great in an instant.In addition to the impressive memory of this tablet, it has an equally impressive processor. The speedy 1.8 gigahertz (GHz) quad-core processor is both powerful and fast. It’s able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with ease. You can keep various apps open at the same time and enjoy a computing experience without the annoying nuisance of constant lagging. You won’t need to worry about freezups either with this highly efficient processor. What’s more, the user-friendly Android 15 operating system makes personal computing an absolute joy. It even includes multiple AI functions to help you stay organized and on task.Whether you plan to use this laptop for work, for play, or both, the pristine 10-inch touchscreen offers the perfect palette for your activities. With a resolution of 1280 by 800, it gives you full HD clarity and millions of colors. Other features of this incredible little machine include an 8 megapixel (MP) camera, 5G WiFi capabilities, and Widevine L1 permissions, which allows you to stream via Netflix and all your favorite entertainment services. The tablet also comes with additional hardware such as a wraparound laptop case, a wireless keyboard, a wireless mouse, and a stylus. You’ll have everything you could ever need for all of your computing needs.Related: Amazon is selling a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet for $100 that’s perfect for web browsing and streamingDetails to knowMemory: 8 GB of RAM, 32 GB of ROM, expandable up to 1 TB.Screen size: 10 inches.Operating system: Android 15.Accessories: Wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, case, stylus.Amazon shoppers were very pleased with this little laptop. One called it a “great buy,” adding that it’s “definitely worth it.” They also said it’s “amazing. Has a big screen…Excellent quality, and works perfectly.”Shop more deals Gleeso Android 15 Tablet, $76 (was $130) at AmazonSharecloud Android 16 Tablet, $85 (was $130) at AmazonEvermyth 10-Inch Android Tablet, $65 (was $90) at AmazonThe Cupeisi 10-Inch Android 15 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet may be the ultimate device for work and play. At only $59, we can’t think of a better tech buy anywhere.

Brent crude futures on Hyperliquid recorded $46.6 million in liquidations, behind only ether and bitcoin. The single largest liquidation was a $17.17 million oil position.

Crypto and equities sold off after the president’s national address undermined a two-day rally built on expectations the war was ending. Oil jumped 5% to above $106.

Think paper checks are obsolete? Most small business owners disagree — here’s why.

Run at Keeneland since 1937, the Blue Grass Stakes has long been an important race on the road to the Kentucky Derby. This year’s race offers a $1.25 million purse.