Consumer News: Will ‘balcony solar’ catch on in the US?

The experts we talked to say there are many reasons

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Primary care shortages are driving longer wait times. Experts say fewer doctors are choosing primary care careers, while many communitiesespecially underserved areasface shortages of physicians, nurses, and specialists, creating bottlenecks for routine appointments.

• System-wide healthcare pressures are slowing access. Workforce shortages, provider burnout, administrative burdens, insurance approvals, referral delays, and staffing gaps reduce clinics ability to absorb demand, even when doctors are working at full capacity.

• Urgent care can offer faster treatment, but its not a complete solution. Walk-in clinics can help patients receive routine care more quickly and ease pressure on the system, but experts say the best outcomes occur when urgent care is integrated with patients primary healthcare teams to ensure continuity of care.

Many patients seeking medical appointments for fairly routine care are being offered appointment times that are sometimes months into the future.

Some of the strongest reporting comes from AMN Healthcare's 2025 national survey of physician appointment wait times, which found that the average wait time for a new patient appointment across six major specialties reached 31 days, the highest level recorded since the survey began in 2004. This was a 19% increase from 2022 and a 48% increase from 2004.

Average waits by specialty included:

• OB-GYN: 41.8 days

• Gastroenterology: 40 days

• Dermatology: 36.5 days

• Cardiology: 32.7 days

• Family Medicine: 23.5 days

If this is a trend, whats behind it?

The healthcare experts we consulted cite a variety of reasons. Many told us fewer physicians are choosing to become general practitioners.

"More frequently than ever, physicians are choosing not to go into residency with primary care, Rene Hermes, chief of operations at Hermes Health in Chicago, told ConsumerAffairs. It is a tough residency, where you have to be on top of your game in all subjects, as family physicians have to properly diagnose and treat patients of all ages with a wide array of symptoms.

Other issues

Olusheyi Lawoyin, Ph.D., chief of operations at Watts Healthcare Corporation, told us that its not just a shortage of general practitioners.

In certain geographic communities, particularly those that are medically underserved, there remains a shortage of physicians, nurses, specialists, and other healthcare professionals, she said. The dearth of primary care providers also creates a bottleneck because primary care often serves as the entry point to the healthcare system.

Dr. Saravanan Thangarajan, visiting scientist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, points to systemic failures that make the system less responsive. Its more than a doctor shortage, he says; its what he calls a care-routing failure.

Clinics have less room to absorb demand, he said. Patients are coming in with more complex needs, while providers are dealing with workforce shortages, burnout, documentation burden, prior authorizations, referral delays, and staffing gaps across the whole care team.

Its more than the availability of the doctor

Kyle Morham, co-founder of NextPatient, agrees that the system is what is working against both practitioners and patients.

"The delay usually isn't a shortage of appointments it's a shortage of staff time to book them, Morham told us.

Most practices still rely on patients calling during business hours and a front desk that's already underwater. Calls go to voicemail, callbacks pile up, and patients wait days just to get on the schedule. Meanwhile, open slots from last-minute cancellations sit empty because no one has time to backfill them by phone."

Morham said there are some practices where nearly half of all bookings happen after hours if you give patients that option.

That tells you how much demand never reaches the front desk during the nine-to-five phone window, he said. The bottleneck is the booking process, not the calendar."

While an appointment with a provider could be weeks away, patients can access much routine care at a walk-in urgent care clinic. Lawoyin agrees that in many cases, it can provide speedier care and take pressure off the healthcare system.

But that may create challenges if they operate separately from patients' usual care teams, she added. The most effective models of care delivery are those that are integrated with the broader healthcare system so that urgent, walk-in care becomes a bridge to care continuity and preventive care, and not a replacement for it.

New report highlights motorists biggest pain points

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• New research finds that fuel is only part of the cost burden facing drivers, with auto loans and insurance representing major fixed expenses for U.S. households.

• doxo's 2026 Auto Loan and Auto Insurance Market Spending Reports analyze the combined cost of vehicle ownership amid rising economic uncertainty.

• The findings come as gasoline prices remain elevated nationwide, adding pressure to household transportation budgets.

In the last three months, gas prices have gone through the roof, but thats hardly the biggest expense of owning a car. The fixed monthly costs are higher and still rising.

Seattle-based bill payment platform doxo this week released its 2026 U.S. Auto Loan & Auto Insurance Market Spending Reports, examining what Americans spend on two of the largest recurring expenses associated with vehicle ownership. According to the company, the research is intended to provide a clearer picture of the true cost of owning a car during a period of economic uncertainty.

The report arrives as motorists continue to contend with high fuel prices. While gasoline prices have fluctuated in recent weeks, they remain above levels seen a year ago in many parts of the country, keeping transportation costs in focus for consumers.

doxo argues that consumers often focus on the price at the pump while overlooking fixed costs that persist regardless of how much they drive. Auto loan payments and insurance premiums represent ongoing monthly obligations that can have a significant impact on household budgets, the company said.

The company's analysis combines spending data from its bill-payment network with market research to assess how much Americans devote to vehicle financing and insurance. By examining those expenses together, doxo said the reports offer a more comprehensive view of transportation costs than fuel prices alone.

What car owners spend

By grouping these categories, the 2026 reports reveal that the average American household with automotive obligations now pays a combined median of $595 per month ($7,140 annually) toward auto loans and auto insurance. In total, these two categories command a massive $754 billion slice of the broader $5.03 trillion annual household bills.

The findings underscore a broader challenge for consumers. Even if gasoline prices ease, households remain responsible for loan payments, insurance premiums, and other ownership costs that are largely unaffected by changes in driving habits.

With inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty continuing to influence household finances, doxo said understanding the full cost of vehicle ownership is becoming increasingly important for consumers looking to manage their budgets effectively.

The CVS savings strategy that works week after week

• CVS rewards can add up quickly: Combine ExtraCare rewards, ExtraBucks, digital coupons, manufacturer coupons, and weekly sales to save big on everyday essentials.

• Avoid paying full price: Shop the weekly ad, earn ExtraBucks on promotional items, and use receipt coupons like "$4 off $20" or "$5 off $25" on future purchases.

• Use every savings tool: Check the CVS app before shopping, scan your ExtraCare card at the coupon center kiosk, and always review your receipt for extra offers and rewards.

Walk into CVS and it's easy to experience sticker shock. A tube of toothpaste costs $6. A bottle of shampoo is pushing $10. Womens razors can cost more than a restaurant lunch.

But heres the thing: very few experienced CVS couponers actually pay those prices. In fact, CVS has built one of the most generous rewards programs in retail, and shoppers who understand how to use it can regularly save 50% or more on health, beauty, and household products.

The secret isn't extreme couponing. Instead, you need to understand how the CVS rewards system works and how to combine sales, coupons, and ExtraBucks rewards into a money-saving strategy.

Here's exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Never shop without an ExtraCare account

The first rule of CVS couponing is to never pay full price. To help make that happen, before buying anything, be sure to sign-up for CVS' free ExtraCare rewards program and download the CVS app.

ExtraCare members receive the following:

• Sale pricing

• Personalized coupons

• Digital manufacturer offers

• Exclusive promotions

• ExtraBucks rewards

• Birthday rewards

Without an ExtraCare account, you're missing many of the discounts advertised throughout the store.

To collect your savings just open the CVS app (sign into your ExtraCare account if youre not already) and do the following:

• Tap Deals & Rewards or Coupons.

• Browse available offers.

• When you find one you want, tap "Send to Card," "Add to Card," or the "+" icon. (The wording can vary slightly!)

• The coupon is now linked to your ExtraCare account.

At checkout, just enter your phone number or scan your ExtraCare barcode and all eligible coupons will automatically apply to your purchase.

Pro tip: Get in the habit of opening the CVS app before every shopping trip. New coupons frequently appear throughout the month, and many shoppers miss discounts simply because they never check.

Step 2: Learn how ExtraBucks really work

ExtraBucks are the foundation of successful CVS couponing. Think of them as CVS cash.

Throughout the store you'll see signs such as:

• Spend $20, get $5 ExtraBucks

• Buy 2, get $4 ExtraBucks

• Spend $30, earn $10 ExtraBucks

Many shoppers ignore these offers because they focus only on the upfront cost.

Instead, start focusing on the net cost after the reward. For example, if you buy two bottles of shampoo for $20 and receive $8 ExtraBucks, your actual cost is $12.

Then add a few coupons into the mix and the savings become even more impressive.

The biggest mistake beginners make is spending ExtraBucks on random purchases. Instead, think of them as fuel for future savings.

Step 3: Shop the weekly ad, not your shopping list

One of the biggest mistakes consumers make is creating a shopping list and then hoping the items are on sale.

At CVS, the smarter strategy is the opposite. Start with the CVS weekly ad.

Every Sunday, CVS launches new promotions throughout the store. The strongest deals are usually found in the following items:

• Toothpaste/toothbrushes

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Deodorant

• Razors

• Cosmetics

• Vitamins

• Household cleaners

The reason you should focus on these products is because they often have a combination of sale prices, coupons, and ExtraBucks rewards. The overlap is where your biggest savings is going to occur.

Be sure to not chase every deal. Instead, focus on the products that you already use, and stock up when prices hit the lowest point.

Pro tip: If a product isn't on sale this week, wait a little bit if you dont need it right away. CVS promotions rotate constantly and many deals return every few weeks.

Step 4: Stack coupons like a pro

Coupon stacking is where CVS really shines. Many retailers limit how shoppers can combine discounts. CVS is far more flexible than most.

A successful transaction often includes:

• A sale price

• A CVS digital coupon

• A manufacturer coupon

• ExtraBucks rewards

• New ExtraBucks earned

For example, a bottle of shampoo may be on sale for $6.99. You then apply a $2 CVS coupon and a $1 manufacturer coupon and the shampoo also generates $2 in ExtraBucks.

Suddenly your effective cost is less than $2 for the bottle. That's why experienced couponers spend time matching deals before shopping.

The savings rarely come from one giant coupon, but from multiple discounts working together.

Pro tip: Before checking out, verify that every digital coupon that you want to use says "sent to card." This is critical because if it doesn't, you wont get credit for it when you enter your phone number at checkout. Forgetting this simple step is one of the most common couponing mistakes.

Step 5: Use receipt coupons strategically

CVS receipts are ridiculously long and many shoppers laugh at them and throw them away as they walk out. Thats a mistake, as they provide some real value.

While not all CVS receipts are created equal, the most valuable ones have a threshold coupon printed on them, such as:

• $4 off $20

• $5 off $25

• $10 off $50

These coupons can often be combined with weekly sales, manufacturer coupons, digital offers, and ExtraBucks rewards to create massive savings.

For example: You buy $25 worth of products already on promotion.

Then apply the following:

• $5 off $25 receipt coupon

• $3 digital coupon

• $2 manufacturer coupon

Your $25 purchase suddenly costs $15 before factoring in any ExtraBucks rewards earned.

This is where CVS couponing becomes especially powerful.

Pro tip: Save threshold coupons for those weeks when you're buying multiple sale items. That's usually where you'll get the biggest bang for your buck.

Step 6: Use the coupon center every visit

Many CVS stores still have a coupon center kiosk near the front entrance. Most shoppers make the mistake of walking right past it.

Simply scan your ExtraCare card and the machine will often print:

• Store coupons

• Category discounts

• Product-specific offers

• ExtraBucks rewards

Sometimes the savings are small, but other times they're surprisingly valuable.

Many shoppers have received $4 off $20 purchase coupons, beauty coupons, and category discounts simply by scanning their card. It's one of the easiest ways to uncover extra savings.

Get in the habit of scanning your card every time you visit, even if you're only stopping in for one item.

Step 7: Roll your ExtraBucks forward

This is where serious savings begin. Many shoppers earn ExtraBucks and immediately spend them on snacks, drinks, or impulse purchases.

Experienced couponers "roll" their rewards. Here's how it works:

• Week one: Spend $25 and earn $10 ExtraBucks.

• Week two: Use the $10 ExtraBucks reward on another promotion and earn another $10 in rewards.

• Week three: Rinse and repeat. Over time, your rewards begin funding future purchases.

This dramatically reduces how much cash you need to spend out of pocket.

It's also why many couponers keep small stockpiles of toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and razors. They're buying products when rewards are strongest rather than waiting until they run out.

Pro tip: Think of ExtraBucks as an investment. In other words, whenever possible, spend them on the products that will generate new rewards.

Thousands of pounds of sauce are affected after a recalled ingredient was linked to possible contamination

• More than 900 cases of Alfredo sauce have been recalled due to a potentially contaminated ingredient.

• The recall stems from a dry milk powder supplier's recall involving possible Salmonella contamination.

• The affected product was distributed to dozens of states and has been classified as a Class I recall.

A large recall involving Alfredo sauce is underway after a supplier identified a potential food safety issue with one of the product's ingredients. The recall affects Alfredo Sauce sold in sealed bags weighing three pounds seven ounces and packed 12 bags per case.

According to information posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated by The Coffee Connexion Co., Inc., based in Lebanon, Tennessee.

The company voluntarily recalled the product after learning that a dry milk powder ingredient used in the sauce had been recalled by its supplier because of possible Salmonella contamination.

The recall remains ongoing and has not been terminated.

What products are affected?

The recall involves 913 cases of Alfredo sauce bearing UPC 0039954921963. Multiple production batches and lot numbers are included, with best-by dates ranging from January through April 2028.

Affected batches include:

• Batch numbers 046188 through 046193, Lot 0126, Best By 01/12/2028

• Batch numbers 047290 through 047296, Lot 0476, Best By 02/16/2028

• Batch numbers 048029 through 048034, Lot 0686, Best By 03/09/2028

• Batch numbers 049089 through 049094, Lot 1106, Best By 04/20/2028

The FDA classified the event as a Class I recall, which is the agency's most serious recall category. The recall was initiated on May 6, 2026, and received its FDA classification on June 4, 2026.

The affected product was distributed across a wide portion of the United States, including New York, California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, and dozens of other states.

What this means for consumers

For consumers, the main takeaway is that the recall was not triggered by contamination discovered in the finished Alfredo sauce itself, but by concerns involving a recalled dry milk powder ingredient supplied to the manufacturer.

Anyone who may have purchased or received the affected Alfredo sauce should compare the batch, lot, and best-by information with the recall notice. Because the recall has been classified as Class I and remains active, consumers should avoid using affected products until they can determine whether their sauce is included in the recall.

The FDA notes that the recall is ongoing, meaning additional updates could be issued as the situation continues to be monitored.