The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

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Top Health Politics Topics

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.

The Albatross Around America’s Neck: How health-care opacity neutralizes competition and fuels a corporate race to corner health-care markets

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 779 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Cost management Market Competition Corporate Influence
  1. Healthcare companies are consolidating and taking control, which reduces competition and keeps costs high. This creates a system that benefits big corporations rather than patients.
  2. The lack of transparency in healthcare pricing makes it hard for people to understand or compare costs. This has led to rising costs and poor quality healthcare for many Americans.
  3. There is hope for change with new laws and innovative healthcare solutions emerging. These could lead to more competition, better services, and lower prices if people get involved and demand better.

As Medicare Advantage's shortcomings echo in the press, key legislators still push to privatize traditional Medicare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 639 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Insurance Medicare Policy Analysis Legislation Healthcare access
  1. There are concerns about the move to privatize Medicare, especially with more seniors being pushed towards Medicare Advantage plans. Many seniors might not know the downsides of these plans, which can include delays in care and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans often have strict rules that can limit care for patients, and these plans are favored because they make profits for private insurance companies. Some patients have difficulty getting necessary treatments due to these limitations.
  3. There's a push from certain lawmakers to make Medicare Advantage the default option for new Medicare recipients, which could make traditional Medicare less accessible. This raises worries that Medicare as we know it could disappear in favor of profit-driven plans.

Very informative stack by SASHA LATYPOVA: "Moderna is planning another covid campaign starting April 2025. Employees are asked to donate blood for experiments in exchange for $75 gift cards."

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 766 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccines Government Control Conspiracy Theories
  1. Moderna is planning a new COVID campaign starting in April 2025, with employees asked to donate blood for experiments and given $75 gift cards in exchange.
  2. Both Pfizer and Moderna are facing challenges in their COVID vaccine sales, with Moderna expecting a low point in sales in 2024.
  3. Speculations suggest that Moderna's production might increase in 2025 due to potential election-related narratives, shutdown possibilities for Pfizer, and government planning around COVID variants and public fear.

NO, Bill Gates didn't fund genetically altered mosquitoes to stop malaria--it's far worse than that.

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1611 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Malaria Ethics
  1. Genetically altered mosquitoes released in Florida and California are not linked to the recent malaria cases in the US.
  2. It is essential to seek the truth and not fall for misinformation, especially when it aligns with preconceived beliefs.
  3. Experimental interventions like genetically modified mosquitoes and vaccines raise concerns about unintended consequences and the manipulation of nature.
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DEATH BY PAPERWORK: Watch NYT Opinion video on health insurers' "prior authorization" practices

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Healthcare Patient rights Bureaucracy Medical Ethics
  1. Prior authorization is a process where patients and doctors must get approval from insurance companies before certain treatments can be covered. This often causes delays and can lead to worsening health issues for patients.
  2. The process can be very frustrating and complicated, leading some patients to skip necessary care altogether. This can increase stress and harm their health further.
  3. Doctors and their staff spend a lot of time dealing with the paperwork required for prior authorization, which takes away from actual patient care and can lead to burnout among healthcare providers.

Are We Facing Lockdowns 2.0?

COVID Reason • 2101 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Lockdowns Vaccines Immunity
  1. Major media outlets are echoing the need to stop the spread of Covid to reduce strain on hospitals.
  2. There are concerns about the possibility of another lockdown due to rising Covid cases and the emergence of new variants.
  3. Lockdowns had significant negative impacts on liberty and prosperity, with no apologies or accountability from those in charge.

YLE Event Tuesday (December 10)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 485 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Health Communication Webinars Pandemic response
  1. There is a webinar on December 10 about communicating health in today's divided environment. It will be helpful for anyone interested in public health.
  2. Kyle McGowan, a former CDC Chief of Staff, will join the discussion to share useful strategies. This could provide valuable insights for health professionals.
  3. The event is free for subscribers and will include a live question-and-answer session. If you can't attend, a recording will be available afterward.

UnitedHealth’s self-dealing is accelerating

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 899 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Policy Corporate ethics Financial Analysis
  1. UnitedHealth is increasingly making money through its own subsidiaries, which means it's doing more business with itself. This raises concerns about whether patients are getting the best options and quality of care.
  2. A significant portion of UnitedHealth's revenue comes from internal transactions with its subsidiary, Optum. This could limit competition and hurt other healthcare providers.
  3. Using its own doctors and services helps UnitedHealth avoid spending obligations meant for patient care, potentially leading to reduced quality for patients.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 23

Force of Infection • 85 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Healthcare policy Disease Prevention Health Education
  1. Flu season is picking up, with more people visiting doctors for symptoms like fever and cough. Younger kids are seeing higher rates of flu, but older adults face the biggest risks.
  2. COVID-19 is on the rise again, especially in the Midwest, as wastewater and test positivity rates increase. People should stay cautious during the holidays.
  3. RSV cases are also climbing, with infants and older adults being especially at risk. It's important to be careful during gatherings with people of different ages.

How & why did medical & scientific establishment e.g. medical doctors, allow governments ('officials' elected or not), health officials (in CDC, PHAC, NIH, Health Canada, SAGE, NIAID, FDA) College

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 727 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Government Officials Medical Research
  1. Questions are raised on how medical professionals allowed the approval of untested mRNA technology for Covid vaccines, prompting a need to investigate incentives and motives of key figures.
  2. Concerns are voiced about the silence regarding potential risks and long-term effects of mRNA vaccines communicated by medical doctors and scientists like Malone, Bourla, Weissman, and Kariko.
  3. Criticism is directed towards media outlets and organizations for not holding key players accountable and failing to ask important questions about the safety and efficacy of Covid vaccines.

Covid Situation Report: May 9, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 319 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response
  1. Covid cases are going up, especially for older people. It's important for them to stay safe and monitor their health.
  2. A new variant called KP.2 is spreading but doesn't seem to be much stronger than previous strains. We should keep an eye on it.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster shots are being given out quickly, which is good for protecting vulnerable groups as Covid levels rise.

Have insurance? Good luck finding an in-network mental health professional.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Insurance Healthcare access Patient Care Legislation
  1. Finding an in-network mental health professional is really hard for people with insurance. Many providers are not actually accepting new patients or have left the network, making it feel like a waste of time for those seeking help.
  2. Even with insurance, many patients face high out-of-pocket costs. The average cost for therapy sessions can be over $174, creating a barrier for those who need mental health care.
  3. Insurance companies often make it tough to get claims approved by imposing complicated processes. This frustrates providers and leaves patients without the care they deserve.

UnitedHealth Group: vulnerable and ill-equipped to defend against modern threats like cyberattacks

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Cybersecurity Patient Safety Corporate Influence Regulation
  1. UnitedHealth faced a serious cyberattack, showing that even big companies can be vulnerable to cybercrime. This situation highlights the risks of having too much sensitive data controlled by a few large corporations.
  2. The healthcare system is focused more on profit than patient care. This has left it weak against modern threats like cyberattacks, which can disrupt services and harm patients.
  3. To fix these issues, we need stronger rules to protect patient data and make sure healthcare companies prioritize patient safety over making money. It's important to shift our focus from profits to genuine care for patients.

Covid Situation Report: Jun 6, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infectious Diseases Healthcare policy
  1. Covid positivity rates are rising, especially among older people, but hospital admissions remain stable and low. It’s important to stay cautious.
  2. Older individuals face a higher risk of being hospitalized or dying from Covid. It's crucial to get vaccinated, especially for those over 75 and immunocompromised.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ongoing, but vaccination rates are slowing. People should check their eligibility and consider getting their booster before the end of June.

What does RFK Jr mean for healthcare?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 176 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Public Health Pharmaceuticals Vaccine Mandates Regulatory issues
  1. RFK Jr. could be pushed out of the healthcare conversation because he is anti-corporation. Many pharmaceutical companies might not want him involved due to his stance.
  2. He wants to change how vaccine makers are protected from lawsuits, suggesting they should face accountability like other drug companies. This could lead to better safety practices in vaccines.
  3. The current healthcare system is seen as corrupt and ineffective. There's a need for deeper reforms and better studies to ensure drug and vaccine safety.

Navigating RSV protection this fall

Your Local Epidemiologist • 646 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Disease Prevention Epidemiology
  1. Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies have been developed to protect against RSV, especially for pregnant women and infants, showing high effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations.
  2. Older adults are also at risk for RSV, and the vaccine is effective for those over 60, but it’s important for them to discuss options with their healthcare providers.
  3. Real-world data confirms that RSV protection is effective and safer than getting the disease, but many people still lack awareness about these preventive measures.

The Long Road to End Tuberculosis

Asimov Press • 193 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Vaccination Antibiotics Public Health Research Funding
  1. Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major global health threat, killing around 1.2 million people each year despite vaccines and antibiotics that help in treatment. There is a pressing need for new medicines and vaccines to reduce TB cases and deaths significantly.
  2. The current BCG vaccine against TB has varied effectiveness, especially in adults, and has not been updated for decades. Newer vaccine candidates like M72/AS01E are being developed to provide better protection, particularly for adults.
  3. Antibiotic resistance in TB is a growing concern, making it harder to treat. New strategies to discover antibiotics and improve existing treatments are crucial for combating resistant strains of TB and ensuring effective patient care.

Massachusetts Wakes Up to a Hospital Nightmare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Private Equity Medical education Patient Safety Regulatory Oversight
  1. Private equity firms, like Steward Health Care, have been negatively impacting hospitals by cutting resources and making false promises. This has led to unsafe conditions for both staff and patients.
  2. Steward Health Care has a history of financial mismanagement and failed commitments, which has raised concerns among local leaders and health officials. They’ve been accused of prioritizing profit over patient care.
  3. Many hospital employees and doctors are frustrated with the situation, as it puts patient safety at risk. They feel helpless in trying to provide good care amidst the company's failures.

Current Pfizer Board Member and Former Trump Appointed FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb

Injecting Freedom • 116 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Pharmaceuticals Health Policy Medical Ethics
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb made claims about vaccines that were proven to be false. It's important to double-check facts, especially when discussing health topics.
  2. Gottlieb's connection to Pfizer raises questions about conflicts of interest when he criticizes others in the vaccine debate. It shows that personal interests can affect public statements.
  3. There is a call for more open discussions about vaccines and health issues. Honest debates can help clarify misunderstandings and improve public knowledge.

Statistical Methods Links

In My Tribe • 303 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Public Health Substance Use Social media
  1. The more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to face mental health issues. This shows a clear relationship between social media use and negative effects on mental well-being.
  2. Historical evidence suggests that violence can lead to increased social advantages, but it doesn't prove that violence is beneficial overall. There could be alternative outcomes for peaceful behavior that aren't considered.
  3. Combining multiple studies doesn't automatically correct biases in research. If all the studies have flaws, their average result will likely still be flawed.

Covid Situation Report: May 30, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Infectious Diseases Health Policy
  1. Covid positivity rates in England have recently peaked and are starting to decline, indicating that this small wave of Covid is likely over.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is doing well, with over 3.6 million doses given, but many immunocompromised individuals still need better vaccine coverage.
  3. A new variant called KP.2 is spreading, but it doesn't seem to be significantly more effective than other existing variants at this time.

We Must Pay More for Drugs

Something to Consider • 79 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug Pricing Pharmaceuticals Consumer Rights Health economics
  1. Patents help inventors protect their ideas, but they alone can't ensure fair profits from innovations. We need more support to make sure inventors get what they deserve.
  2. In a monopoly, the price of goods reflects production costs, not research costs. This can lead to less innovation if prices don't encourage investment.
  3. To encourage more drug discoveries, we might need to pay higher prices or create subsidies and prizes for medical breakthroughs. It’s a tough choice, but necessary for progress.

Why US Health Insurance Companies are Hated

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Capitalism Public Policy Patient rights
  1. People in the U.S. often face a tough experience with health insurance companies, which frequently deny care instead of helping patients. This differs a lot from the experiences in countries with socialized healthcare systems like Norway.
  2. For-profit health insurance companies prioritize their profits over patient care. This leads to a system where they often refuse necessary treatments, pushing patients into stressful battles just to receive care that should be available to them.
  3. Health insurance companies in the U.S. have little incentive to promote preventative care because they risk losing patients. In contrast, public health systems are designed to encourage preventive care, as healthier citizens reduce overall costs.

Company behind Joe Namath Medicare Advantage ads has long rap sheet of misconduct

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Issues Regulatory Affairs
  1. The company behind Joe Namath's Medicare Advantage ads has a history of legal troubles and misconduct. This includes past penalties from federal agencies and a recent bankruptcy that some say was a way to avoid paying off legal liabilities.
  2. Over 31 million seniors are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, which can limit their access to doctors and hospitals. Many don't realize that signing up might mean losing their preferred healthcare providers, despite potential perks like gym memberships.
  3. Private equity firms play a big role in the Medicare Advantage market. They invest heavily in companies that often prioritize profits over genuine patient care, which can lead to misleading advertising and poor service for seniors.

Medicine is becoming more corrupt

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 184 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Corruption Pharma University Research Ethics Healthcare access
  1. Medicine is being influenced by money from pharmaceutical companies, which can lead to biased practices. This means that decisions in healthcare might prioritize profit over patient care.
  2. Big donations to universities can result in naming rights and influence, creating a potential conflict of interest. This raises questions about the integrity and independence of academic institutions.
  3. There's a concern that this trend towards corruption could compromise the quality of medical research and education. Without accountability, the focus might shift away from ethical standards and patient welfare.

AwakeNotWoke again is over the target as this is explained in response to my substack: "So the vaccine mRNA not only does not remain at the injection site but, contrary to the bullshit conclusions of

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 628 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccine Pregnancy Research
  1. Vaccine mRNA doesn't stay at the injection site but can spread to placenta and umbilical cord blood, which may have biological benefits but also risks for the fetus.
  2. Research shows that COVID vaccine content can affect babies in the womb, highlighting the lack of information from vaccine makers in studies involving pregnant women.
  3. The study underlines the importance of providing critical information for pregnant women to make informed decisions regarding COVID vaccination.

I’m hosting a free webinar on Thursday. Here’s why you should tune in and how to register.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 459 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Insurance Market Public Health Health Policy Webinars
  1. A free webinar titled 'Safeguarding Health Care's Runaway Train' is happening on March 21, 2024, at 2 PM EST. It'll cover important changes in health care and why you should be interested.
  2. The health insurance industry is facing possible changes, as some employers are starting to find ways to bypass big insurance companies to offer better benefits.
  3. This webinar is part of a series aimed at providing insights into the U.S. health care system, helping people understand the ongoing issues and proposed reforms.

Reforming the NIH’s Intramural Program

The Good Science Project • 29 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Biomedical Research Government oversight Public Health
  1. The NIH's Intramural Research Program (IRP) needs major changes to better support innovative research. It was meant for high-risk projects, but now resembles traditional university grant-funded research.
  2. There's a call for more transparency and less bureaucracy in the IRP to help scientists focus on their research. Right now, unnecessary paperwork and spending limits reduce their ability to innovate.
  3. To boost true high-risk research, the IRP should evaluate its ongoing projects compared to other research being done outside the NIH. This way, they can ensure they are doing unique work that couldn’t be done elsewhere.

An effort to Educate Massachusetts State Reps hamstrung by biased reporting

An Insult to Intuition • 1277 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Data Analysis Government Response Media Coverage
  1. An effort to educate Massachusetts State Reps about proposed bills protecting individual rights faced challenges with low attendance from legislators.
  2. The presentation highlighted concerns about the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, questioning the data and potential negative outcomes.
  3. Issues were raised about biased reporting by a news service, labeling presenters as 'vaccine skeptics' and not fully representing their evidence-based arguments.

New reports detail UnitedHealth's latest acquisitions under shady pretenses

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Industry Acquisitions Regulatory issues Financial impact
  1. UnitedHealth is buying a lot of clinics, especially in areas where it already has many Medicare Advantage members. This helps them earn more money from the government.
  2. As UnitedHealth grows, it doesn't have to publicly announce many of its deals. This means they can make several acquisitions without much notice to shareholders.
  3. The company seems to be taking advantage of crises in healthcare, such as when a recent hack affected doctors’ payments, by pushing through acquisitions that profit them during tough times.

Ascension Health, a big chain of Catholic hospitals, claims to advocate for a compassionate and just society. But its business practices and investments tell a different story.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Regulatory Oversight Patient Care
  1. Ascension Health is a large Catholic hospital system that says it supports a caring and fair society, but its actions, like aggressive debt collection and risky investments, suggest otherwise. They seem to prioritize profits over actual patient care.
  2. The company's investments have included buying interests in struggling healthcare businesses, sometimes causing harm to patients while helping their bottom line. This shows a focus on financial gain rather than true community service.
  3. There's a need for more accountability in the healthcare system. People should not allow organizations like Ascension to claim non-profit status while acting like a for-profit company, which can hurt the communities they’re supposed to serve.

Strange bedfellows agree: PBM pricing reform cannot stop at Medicare, Medicaid

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Pharmacy Benefits Bipartisan Politics Insurance Market
  1. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) make a lot of money, often taking nearly half of all spending on drugs for Medicare and Medicaid. This needs to change so that more money goes directly to patients and their care.
  2. There is growing bipartisan support for reforming PBMs, but it’s important that these changes don’t only apply to Medicare and Medicaid. They should also include employer-based insurance plans, as many Americans still rely on them.
  3. Reforming PBMs could lower drug costs for both companies and their employees. It's a move that could save money for everyone and cut out unnecessary profits made by these middlemen.

Part 2: Answering reader questions on H5N1

Force of Infection • 38 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Food Safety Preventive measures
  1. H5N1 mostly spreads through close contact with infected animals, which means people who work with animals are at higher risk.
  2. The virus can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, which can affect how we control infection spread.
  3. Currently, there's no evidence that H5N1 spreads from person to person, but there's a concern it might someday gain that ability.

The Grace of Dr. Jay

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 52 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology COVID-19 Health Policy
  1. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is important because he promotes open discussions in science, even when there are differing opinions. His approach helps to maintain trust in scientific research during tough times.
  2. During the pandemic, some scientists faced harsh criticisms and censorship for their views. It’s essential to remember that different ideas can help us all understand complex situations better.
  3. The future of health science needs leaders like Jay, who exemplify curiosity and kindness. These qualities can foster better communication and collaboration in tackling public health challenges.

UnitedHealth Group takes Wall Street hit because of investors' fears about Medicare Advantage profitability, Department of Justice antitrust investigation

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Regulatory Affairs Market Trends
  1. UnitedHealth Group is experiencing a big drop in its stock value because investors are worried about how profitable Medicare Advantage plans are. Many insurance companies are losing millions as healthcare usage by seniors increases.
  2. The Department of Justice is investigating UnitedHealth for possible antitrust issues related to its many acquisitions. This investigation is looking into how its insurance and healthcare services may be violating federal rules.
  3. There are growing concerns among both political parties about how Medicare Advantage plans are run. Bills are being introduced to make these plans more transparent and to reduce overpayments to them.