Concern about health coverage prices, the cost of caring for relatives and rising electric bills runs through a morning roundup of reporting from other outlets, republished by the Ohio Capital Journal.
Ideastream's Ida Lieszkovszky reported that Northeast Ohio voters describe health care costs as out of control and see few answers from candidates. Nationally, small-group coverage rates are projected to rise 14% next year, marketplace prices 15%, and private insurance more than 8% on average. New Medicaid work requirements take effect at the start of the year, and one study estimates that up to 356,000 Ohioans could lose coverage through the program in 2027.
An AARP study released Wednesday and shared first with NPR found that family caregivers spend an average of $11,508 out of pocket annually — roughly 60% more than five years earlier and equal to 31% of a caregiver's income. The study, which surveyed 2,538 caregivers, put the increase at more than twice the 24% rise in the Consumer Price Index, with food, housing and medical expenses the largest components.
TIME reported that opposition to data centers is spreading in Ohio, which hosts roughly 200 facilities. Average household electric bills climbed about 15% over the past year and more than 66% across the decade. A May Gallup poll found more than 70% of voters nationwide oppose an AI data center near them, and a September Bowling Green State University survey found nearly 80% of Ohioans back a moratorium. More than 100 local governments have reportedly adopted moratoriums. WLWT's Giacomo Luca reported that Ohio voters will decide 21 local data center ballot issues in November, spanning 18 communities and 16 counties — the most of any state.