The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

4 ways to anticipate next week's ACIP

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1342 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Public Health Epidemiology Health Communication
  1. The new ACIP members may not have much vaccine experience, raising concerns about their decisions affecting public health.
  2. Expect confusion and misinformation about vaccines in social media following the meeting, especially around topics like thimerosal and the MMR vaccine.
  3. Although some answers will surface after the meeting, many important questions remain, and many health organizations are already working hard to clarify the situation for the public.

Reader Question – What Should Disclosures in Weight Science and Weight Loss Research Include?

Weight and Healthcare • 499 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Research Funding Conflicts of Interest Transparency
  1. Research in weight science and weight loss should prioritize scientific integrity over business interests.
  2. Disclosures in research should be easily accessible within the study and in front of any paywall to inform decision-making.
  3. Disclosures should include details on study funding, financial entanglements with companies, organizations, and personal benefits for researchers.

A snapshot into how deportations affect health

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1399 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Mental health Immigration Child welfare Policy Impact
  1. Deportations affect not just the individuals who are removed but also the families and communities left behind, especially children who may experience trauma, stress, and uncertainty.
  2. Studies show that fear of deportation can lead families to avoid seeking medical care, which can have serious public health implications for entire communities.
  3. Support from caregivers, educators, and communities is crucial for children and families affected by these policies, helping them cope and thrive despite the challenges they face.

More than half of every dollar spent by Medicare drug plans goes to private health insurers' pharmacy benefit managers and wholesalers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1318 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Insurance Medicare Drug Pricing Pharmacy Benefits Healthcare Reform
  1. More than half of the money spent on Medicare drug plans goes to middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and wholesalers, not to the actual drugs.
  2. These PBMs are making huge profits, taking over 40% of the funds while people often end up paying more for their medications.
  3. Lawmakers need to act on this issue because if they can reduce PBM profits, there could be funds to support important health programs for low-income Americans.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Coleman Hughes: My Mom—and the Case for Assisted Death

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3246 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Assisted Dying Medical Ethics Public Policy Health care Patient rights
  1. The author believes people should have the choice to end their suffering through assisted death. Personal experiences can shape our views on complex topics like this.
  2. Assisted dying laws have been discussed globally, with countries like the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK considering legislation. It's important to explore these issues from different perspectives.
  3. The story of the author's mother shows that even the healthiest people can face serious illnesses like cancer. This highlights the unpredictability of life and health.

Billions of Pieces of Human DNA from an Aborted Fetus in Every Dose

Injecting Freedom • 66 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Abortion Vaccination Bioethics Public Health Research Funding Government Policy
  1. The government has ended funding for research that uses aborted fetal tissue.
  2. A central claim is that every dose of MMR and chickenpox vaccine contains billions of pieces of human DNA and cellular material from cell lines derived from an aborted fetus.
  3. The piece highlights an exchange describing how fetal tissue was physically processed to develop those cell lines, using graphic language about cutting tissue into pieces.

Poetic Justice for Jay Bhattacharya

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3389 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Policy Debate Science communication Medical Ethics
  1. Jay Bhattacharya was a respected Stanford professor until the pandemic changed everything. He proposed focusing on protecting vulnerable people instead of broad lockdowns.
  2. With support from other scientists, he created the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for 'focused protection' during Covid-19. This approach aimed to keep society more open while safeguarding those at risk.
  3. Despite facing harsh criticism and attacks on his character for his views, Bhattacharya's ideas are gaining more attention, especially as he may soon lead the NIH.

Health Insurer Admits “Mistake” – and Still Sticks Disabled Veteran With $110,000 in Medical Bills

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy
  1. Health insurers can make big mistakes that leave patients with hefty bills, as seen with a disabled veteran who faced $110,000 in medical expenses after an insurance error.
  2. Even when companies admit to their mistakes, they may not take responsibility to fix the situation, often leaving vulnerable people to deal with the consequences.
  3. Finding help through patient advocates can make a huge difference, showing the importance of community support in navigating medical billing issues.

The "cost" of COVID-19

Independent SAGE continues • 699 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Long Covid Healthcare Costs Economic Impact
  1. COVID-19 is still an economic issue, and the impact of Long Covid needs to be considered in vaccine decisions. Vaccination helps prevent Long Covid, but we don't fully understand how long this protection lasts.
  2. Many people are unable to access vaccines, especially children. In contrast, other countries widely vaccinate kids, while the UK has limited offers.
  3. Long Covid can significantly affect people's ability to work and has a heavy economic burden. This includes healthcare costs and loss of income, which could impact the economy in the long run.

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2760 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Global Health Public Health Health Policy Epidemiology International cooperation
  1. The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO means less influence in global health decisions, leaving a gap that countries like China might fill.
  2. The WHO faces challenges like limited funding and authority, which makes it hard to enforce health policies effectively.
  3. Even though the U.S. has strong public health systems, global health threats affect everyone, so it's important to stay involved with organizations like the WHO.

BREAKING: Lin et al. (Hanna) study shows transplacental transmission of the COVID vaccine mRNA: Evidence from Placental, Maternal and Cord Blood Analyses Post-Vaccination; Dr. Jim Thorp comments?

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 982 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Pregnancy Health Risks Women's Health
  1. The study shows evidence of transplacental transmission of COVID vaccine mRNA, impacting the baby in utero.
  2. The study suggests the COVID mRNA vaccine may cross the blood-milk barrier and reach the fetus following maternal vaccination.
  3. The vaccine mRNA was detected in placentas, maternal blood, and cord blood, raising concerns about the impact on pregnant women and infants.

Your top 10 FAQ on drug prices

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1591 implied HN points • 15 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Drug Pricing Healthcare policy Pharmaceuticals Public Health Patient Advocacy
  1. Drug prices in the U.S. are much higher than in other countries because drug companies set their own prices, and patents keep competition away for many years. This results in Americans paying more for medications.
  2. High drug prices lead people to skip doses or avoid taking medicine altogether, which can result in serious health issues. Many people can't afford their medications, causing preventable health problems.
  3. There are possible solutions to lower drug prices, like the government negotiating prices and reforming patents to allow generics more quickly. However, it requires public pressure and political will to make these changes happen.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla Claims They ‘Saved The World’ From COVID Despite Past Blatant Inaccuracies

Unmasked • 31 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Vaccine Policy Pandemic response Public Health Misinformation
  1. Pfizer's CEO has publicly claimed the company "saved the world" from COVID while the company made billions in profit, a statement many see as an attempt to rewrite the pandemic’s history.
  2. Pandemic-era policies — lockdowns, school closures, mask mandates, vaccine passports, and aggressive economic measures — caused widespread and long-lasting social and economic harm.
  3. By the mid-2020s most places had largely returned to normal, but some political leaders still threatened to reinstate mandates, showing the debate over pandemic responses continues.

AMNESTY? You said you want amnesty, forgiveness? Absolutely fucking not! We will not let you go, all you in the fraud fake von-COVID pandemic, never was, all you who abused our elderly, killed them

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 943 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. Strong opposition to amnesty and forgiveness for those involved in the COVID-19 pandemic fraud and abuse of the elderly.
  2. Criticism towards individuals who developed mRNA technology and COVID gene injections, branding them as murderers and money-driven.
  3. Call for accountability through judicial processes for all involved in the alleged COVID-19 crimes, including medical professionals.

Covid levels remain low but new variants are coming, as is bird flu

Independent SAGE continues • 499 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Infectious Diseases Pandemic Preparedness Vaccination
  1. Covid levels are currently low in the UK, but new variants are expected to emerge soon. We need to stay alert as these variants could cause more infections.
  2. There's growing concern about bird flu as it spreads among animals and may jump to humans. Health experts worry this could lead to the next pandemic.
  3. It's important to prepare for future outbreaks by improving vaccines, treatments, and surveillance systems based on lessons learned from Covid.

Flu is (still) taking off, egg prices, new diet standards, Super Bowl, and more

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2404 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Nutrition Vaccination Epidemiology Disease Control
  1. Flu cases are rising sharply this year, with many people experiencing 'influenza-like illnesses' since 2002. Fewer vaccinations among kids and a mismatch between the vaccine and circulating flu strains are contributing to this problem.
  2. A new Ebola vaccine trial has started in Uganda quickly after an outbreak occurred. This is an important step to help control the spread of the virus and protect public health.
  3. New nutrition guidelines suggest that kids aged 5 to 18 should mainly drink plain water and milk, while sugar-sweetened beverages should be limited. This can help improve their overall health and prevent issues like weight gain and dental problems.

Expert Critics Of The HHS Report On Youth Gender Medicine Are Projecting—And Helping To Implode Their Own Credibility (Part 2 of 2)

Singal-Minded • 824 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Policy
  1. Critics of the HHS report on youth gender medicine are challenging its credibility, mainly because they highlight their own possible biases and conflicts of interest.
  2. The research on gender-affirming treatments appears to have weak evidence, with many studies criticized for not supporting the positive outcomes claimed by advocates.
  3. Media coverage, such as from Science magazine, sometimes lacks depth and context, which can mislead readers about the complexities of youth gender medicine debates.

Data and communication are gold

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2389 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Data Integrity Communication Epidemiology Biosecurity
  1. Public health data is crucial for keeping people safe and informed. When this data is lost or manipulated, it poses a serious risk to health and safety.
  2. Changes in government orders are causing confusion and delays in data reporting, affecting how health agencies communicate important health information.
  3. Local health departments and universities are still working to share necessary health updates while federal agencies face challenges. Staying informed through local sources is key during this instability.

How to spot an effort to trick you into lobbying for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly’s weight loss drugs

Weight and Healthcare • 698 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Weight Stigma Informed consent Medical Industry
  1. Big pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are trying to manipulate the healthcare industry to push insurance coverage for their weight loss drugs.
  2. These companies are using tactics like grassroots campaigns and lobbying efforts to pressure insurance companies and governments to cover their expensive drugs.
  3. To identify efforts to promote these drugs, watch out for claims that lack of access to weight loss medication is about fighting weight stigma, and be wary of campaigns that push for increased access to these drugs in the name of social justice.

New York Presbyterian's Anti-Competitive Maneuver Cost the 32BJ Health Fund $25 Million

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 299 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Legislation Market Competition Policy Reform Consumer Protection
  1. The conflict between the 32BJ Health Fund and New York Presbyterian shows how strong hospitals can pressure unions for money. This kind of influence can hurt efforts to keep healthcare affordable.
  2. There are specific unfair contract practices, like forcing insurers to include all services or keeping prices secret, that are hurting competition in healthcare. These practices usually benefit powerful hospital systems at the expense of smaller payers.
  3. Legislators need to work harder to protect consumers and unions from these unfair practices. Recent attempts to create stronger laws against such actions were weakened by hospital lobbyists.

Behind the curtain at YLE

Your Local Epidemiologist • 959 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Communication Health Policy Community health
  1. The post gives a behind-the-scenes look at how YLE keeps track of health signals and reads scientific studies. It's a sneak peek into the work that goes into health communication.
  2. Many members of the YLE community play important roles in spreading health information, like clinicians and school nurses. They help share and adapt YLE content to reach more people.
  3. The YLE team wants to experiment with new ways to support their community and make health communication easier for everyone involved.

We need to industrialize virtual synthetic repurposing trials

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Research Data science Regulations Clinical Trials
  1. Virtual synthetic repurposing trials use existing healthcare data to see how already available drugs can help treat various diseases. This method can lead to important insights without needing traditional trials.
  2. Currently, these trials are done by small teams and can be slow and hard to replicate. There’s a call for a more organized approach that uses technology to speed up the process and improve access to data.
  3. By setting up teams focused on software, data cleaning, and navigating regulations, we could create a system that shares results openly. This would allow more researchers to explore and build on findings.

Big news: California here we come!

Your Local Epidemiologist • 819 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Local news Community health Health Information
  1. There's a new newsletter launching in California called Your Local Epidemiologist. It aims to provide tailored public health insights for Californians.
  2. The newsletter is created based on feedback from local readers, making it more relevant to community needs and concerns.
  3. As the newsletter grows, there are plans to expand to more states and cities, reconnecting communities with trustworthy health information.

The federal government will soon announce its payment rates and policy changes for the Medicare Advantage program. Here's how you can influence their decision.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Policy change Insurance Health Outcomes
  1. The government will soon decide how much money to give to private Medicare Advantage insurers for 2025. People are encouraged to voice their opinions to influence this decision.
  2. Many Medicare Advantage plans cost taxpayers more money and often provide worse care than traditional Medicare. There's a call to demand better use of tax dollars.
  3. The marketing of Medicare Advantage plans can be misleading, impacting vulnerable seniors. It's important to push the government to avoid giving more funds to these insurers.

Who is the Real Dr. Peter Breggin, "The Conscience of Psychiatry"?

Freddie deBoer • 7085 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Psychiatry Conspiracy Theories Mental Illness Public Safety
  1. Dr. Peter Breggin is a prominent figure in the modern anti-psychiatry movement, influencing American understanding of psychology with his opinions and academic background.
  2. Anti-psychiatry spans political spectrums and has gained notable influence in popular culture, intersecting with holistic medicine and alternative health viewpoints.
  3. Breggin, while respected in some mainstream circles, holds extreme views like being an anti-vaxxer and conspiracy theorist, casting doubt on the safety and efficacy of psychiatric medications.

Foundational Steps Vital on the Road to Universal Health Care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 379 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Economic Impact Public Health
  1. Incremental changes in health care shouldn't be viewed negatively. They can be seen as essential steps that help us get closer to universal health care.
  2. The pandemic showed how unprepared many health systems were, revealing deep flaws that need fixing for better care in the future.
  3. Fighting for universal health care means understanding the complex ties between health care and finance, as both sectors are deeply connected and affect each other's success.

Whose Experts?

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1118 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccine Policy Trust Issues Political Influence
  1. RFK Jr. removed the entire vaccine advisory committee to try to restore public trust in vaccines. This move sparked debate about whether it truly addresses the underlying issues of trust.
  2. Public trust in health institutions has been declining, especially along party lines. Democrats and Republicans view vaccine safety and the credibility of health agencies differently.
  3. Political influence on scientific advice can be harmful. Experts should be chosen for their competency, not their political ties, to ensure credible and trusted public health guidance.

America's Lost Boys and Me

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 6913 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Education Gender gap Psychological impact
  1. There is a concerning trend of young American men struggling with unemployment, education, and family stability, with statistics showing a significant decline in college attendance among males.
  2. Childhood instability and broken homes have a stronger impact on boys than girls, affecting factors like education, future earnings, and likelihood of incarceration. Stable and secure homes are crucial for children's success.
  3. Research findings emphasize the importance of a solid, two-parent home for a child's future, highlighting the need for positive male role models and guidance to help young men succeed academically and professionally.

Why should you care about an indirect cost?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2155 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Research Funding Policy Changes Community Engagement Epidemiology
  1. Indirect costs are essential for research. They cover things like rent and internet, helping researchers do their work effectively.
  2. A proposed cut in indirect costs could greatly harm universities and their communities. This could lead to job losses and less innovation, affecting everyone.
  3. Researchers need to do a better job of connecting with the public. If people understand the importance of research funding, they may be more likely to support it.

A big discovery, Medicaid cuts, states removing fluoride, drug price questions, and more.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1287 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Changes Medicaid Epidemiology
  1. A recent breakthrough in genetics used new tools to fix a baby's rare disease by editing their DNA. This could lead to treatments for many other genetic disorders.
  2. Florida is removing fluoride from drinking water, which could affect many people's dental health. This decision might inspire other states to follow suit.
  3. Proposed cuts to Medicaid could leave 8.6 million people without health coverage, highlighting the importance of contacting lawmakers about healthcare access.

It's All-Out War On the Vulnerable

¡Do Not Panic! • 1159 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disability Rights Government Policies COVID-19 Response Social Welfare
  1. The British government eliminated the position of minister for disabled people, impacting the representation of disabled individuals.
  2. The US government aims to change the definition of disability to reduce the number of people classified as disabled.
  3. Governments are implementing policies that underreport disabilities, showing a lack of responsibility towards vulnerable populations.

Here's what we're getting ourselves into

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2286 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Healthcare policy Epidemiology Chronic Disease Health Communication
  1. Many people think natural things are always good, but that's not true. Some natural things can be harmful, like germs that cause diseases.
  2. It's important to rely on science rather than just the appeal of nature. Some human-made medicines save lives, even when natural solutions sound better.
  3. We need policies that look at the real issues affecting health, not just ones that follow popular but incorrect ideas about nature. Ignoring the complexities can lead to more health problems.

Understanding and Modeling NIH Research Grant Success Rates and the Impact of “Multiyear Funding”

The Good Science Project • 52 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Research Funding Federal Budget Science Policy Biomedical Research
  1. NIH grant success rates follow predictably from inflation-adjusted appropriations, the number of applications, and the pool of already-committed outyear funds, and a model that includes those factors matches historical success rates well.
  2. Funding more years up front (multiyear funding) ties up larger shares of each year’s appropriation and therefore reduces how many new and competing grants can be awarded; the recent increase in multiyear funding could mean roughly 1,000 (≈10%) fewer new/competing grants in FY2026 unless appropriations are increased.
  3. The push for much greater multiyear funding fits with broader proposals to reshape NIH funding (for example, block grants to states) and has coincided with major leadership turnover, raising concerns the changes may be driven by policy aims rather than scientific priorities.

Hospitals across the country are dumping Medicare Advantage plans and canceling their contracts with insurers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1238 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare access Patient rights Policy Reform
  1. Many hospitals are canceling their contracts with Medicare Advantage plans due to lower payments and extra work to get approvals. This creates difficulties for both hospitals and patients.
  2. Patients on Medicare Advantage plans may face delays in receiving care and might get stuck with high medical bills. This is because these plans often deny or delay necessary services.
  3. There's a growing concern about whether Medicare Advantage plans are good for seniors. People are questioning if these plans truly provide the best care or if they profit from denying treatments.

Remember When Experts Said ‘Science Isn’t Political? They Were Lying

Unmasked • 33 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Government Policy Research Funding Science Policy Bioethics Health Agencies
  1. The slogan "science isn't political" was misleading, because political considerations ended up shaping scientific decisions.
  2. Major health institutions, especially the NIH, pushed to mix politics into science and public-health policy.
  3. The COVID response is presented as an example where governments abandoned evidence-based decision-making and relied on politicized expert advice to justify measures like lockdowns.

The PBM-insurer mafia comes for community pharmacies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Healthcare Reform Insurance Regulations Public Health
  1. Big Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) like UnitedHealth and Cigna are pushing independent pharmacies out of business. They drop reimbursement rates, making it harder for these smaller pharmacies to survive.
  2. The financial troubles for independent pharmacies are linked to complex fees and lack of transparency from PBMs. Many pharmacies are struggling with fees that keep rising unexpectedly.
  3. Without independent pharmacies, people might face longer waits for medications and less personalized care. It's important for lawmakers to step in and make changes to support these community pharmacies.