The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

New Emails From Anthony Fauci And Francis Collins Show More Purposeful Dishonesty On COVID Vaccines

Unmasked • 56 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccine Policy Pandemic response Health Policy Government Accountability Science communication Medical Ethics
  1. Fauci shifted key public health stances over time, including on masks, school closures, and lockdowns, creating conflicting guidance.
  2. Newly released emails are presented as evidence that Fauci and Francis Collins knowingly misled the public to push vaccine messaging and mandates.
  3. The piece argues that media and officials largely failed to hold them accountable, and that critics of strict COVID policies were vindicated.

Chartbook 342 A history of America's medico-industrial complex ... seen from the step-down ward.

Chartbook • 1859 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Social theory
  1. In the mid-20th century, hospitals and industrial workplaces were closely linked. Local hospitals supported the working-class community, especially in areas with heavy industrial work.
  2. The decline of industries in the 1980s changed healthcare. Smaller, local hospitals were replaced by larger, publicly funded healthcare facilities, which often led to job insecurity for care workers.
  3. The book highlights the intertwined lives of workers and healthcare, emphasizing how the changing economy impacts family life and the quality of care in hospitals.

A Critique Of “Mental and Emotional Health of Youth after 24 months of Gender-Affirming Medical Care Initiated with Pubertal Suppression”

Singal-Minded • 798 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Transgender Care Medical Ethics Youth health Mental health
  1. The study on gender-affirming medical care suggests that puberty blockers didn't improve or harm the mental health of the youth involved, indicating they were stable throughout the study.
  2. There were concerns about the study's methodology, including why certain outcomes weren’t reported and a significant drop in participants over the study period, which raises questions about the validity of the results.
  3. Researchers have changed their claims about the purpose and effectiveness of puberty blockers, leading to confusion about their intended use and the outcomes they produce.

Should a Government Help People Die?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2142 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Disability Rights Legislation Public Policy
  1. Jamie Hale needs constant care due to his serious health issues and feels grateful for the National Health Service's support. Without it, he worries he might not be alive today.
  2. Hale is aware that his medical care costs a lot and feels like a financial burden on the system. This awareness makes him think deeply about his value and how society sees it.
  3. He strongly opposes the assisted suicide bill in the UK, worried it might pressure vulnerable people like himself to end their lives. He fears this could gradually lead to more extreme measures against disabled and disadvantaged individuals.

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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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 Cost Control 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.

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.

BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR: How Medicare Advantage care denials affect patients

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Patient rights
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are often denying care for patients, which can lead to serious health issues. Insurers like UnitedHealth prioritize profits over patient care, creating barriers for those who need treatment.
  2. The process of 'prior authorization' used by these insurers causes significant delays in receiving necessary medical care. This system can sometimes result in life-threatening situations for patients who are waiting for approval.
  3. Organizations like People’s Action are working to help patients navigate the complicated insurance system and advocate for fair treatment. They aim to expose the challenges faced by patients and push for changes to the healthcare system.

Bursting the Conservative Bubble

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1218 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Gender identity Youth AI Art
  1. Conservatives boycotting companies for promoting the transgender agenda may not be effective as the focus is on influencing the younger Generation Z.
  2. Boycotting a few companies may not be enough to stop the transgender agenda that is progressing towards a future where AI and technology dominate.
  3. Young people are increasingly embracing fluid gender identities and diverse pronouns, reflecting the evolving societal norms.

THE TRUTH COMES OUT: NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya Nukes The ‘Experts,’ Confirms Lab Leak A ‘Near Certainty'

Unmasked • 37 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic Origins Public Health Government Response Pandemic Policy Vaccine Policy Biosecurity
  1. Jay Bhattacharya sharply criticized the pandemic ‘experts’ and declared a COVID-19 lab leak to be a near certainty.
  2. He argued the lab leak theory is closely connected to decisions like lockdowns and mask mandates that followed the outbreak.
  3. The piece claims lockdowns caused massive financial and social harm and urges a clear investigation of the pandemic’s origins and responses to avoid repeating those mistakes.

Five Medicare Advantage fixes we can all get behind (except the health insurance industry, of course)

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Practices Regulatory changes
  1. Aligning prior authorization standards between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare can reduce delays in care. This change can help patients get the treatment they need faster and ensure insurers are held accountable.
  2. Protecting seniors from misleading marketing scams is crucial. Congress and CMS are taking steps to ensure that ads for Medicare Advantage plans are clear and truthful, which is good for seniors.
  3. Medicare Advantage plans should offer real supplemental benefits that seniors actually use. It's important for these plans to track how these benefits are being utilized to ensure they improve health outcomes.

Aldén et al. showed us that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) mRNA (RNA) can be reverse-transcribed & integrated into the genome of human cells; shit, did Malone know this? I know he knew but was silent! Can he be

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 569 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Research Public Health COVID-19 Government Vaccines
  1. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) mRNA can be reverse-transcribed and integrated into the genome of human cells, leading to potential implications and questions regarding the knowledge of certain individuals.
  2. The up-take of BNT162b2 into human liver cells can result in changes in genetic expression, potentially suggesting rapid effects of mRNA exposure.
  3. Studies have shown that mRNA from vaccines can be reverse transcribed into DNA within human cells in as fast as 6 hours, indicating a swift biological process.

Exclusive Interview: NIH Director Details Crack Down on Fees Monopoly Publishers Charge American Taxpayers

The DisInformation Chronicle • 590 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Research Funding Policy Making Government Regulation
  1. The NIH is working to make sure taxpayers can access research without high fees. Taxpayers currently pay twice for studies they funded, first through grants and then again through expensive publication fees.
  2. Many science publishers have a monopoly and charge unfairly high fees for open access to research articles. This system makes it difficult for researchers, especially in poorer countries, to publish their work.
  3. Some prominent science journals may promote certain narratives, which can influence public trust in scientific research. It's important to question the accuracy and motives behind studies published in these journals.

Doctors speak out about the crisis in medicine

Unreported Truths • 48 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Primary Care Medical training Insurance Policy Clinical Practice Health Technology
  1. Primary care is increasingly rushed and impersonal, so patients often don’t get thorough exams or enough time to be heard.
  2. Administrative, billing, and quality-measure incentives push doctors toward quick visits, template notes, and guideline-driven prescriptions rather than individualized care.
  3. Medical training and documentation pressures are eroding clinical judgment and critical thinking, leading to poorer-quality doctors, more specialist referrals, and higher costs.

A Response to France’s Best-Selling COVID Skeptic

Integrity Talk • 66 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology Testing Health Policy Misinformation
  1. Saying there was no excess mortality during COVID is misleading because standardizing past deaths to a recent age structure ignores rising life expectancy and doesn’t fit global excess-death patterns.
  2. Arguing tests don’t detect illness confuses being infected with being symptomatic; PCR reliably finds viral material and antigen tests do a good job ruling out infection, even though no test perfectly indicates sickness.
  3. Claiming vaccines don’t work mixes valid worries about industry conflicts with a misunderstanding of trial goals; trials were powered to show reduced symptomatic COVID and large real-world studies later showed much lower death rates among vaccinated people.

The Damage Caused From COVID Policies Is Utterly Jaw Dropping

Unmasked • 62 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Government Policy Civil Liberties Mental health Education & Policy Economic Impact
  1. Lockdowns and many other COVID policies were implemented without solid evidence they would reduce transmission, yet they were used widely.
  2. Officials largely ignored or failed to study the likely harms, causing major social, economic, and mental-health damage that still lingers.
  3. Many interventions, such as school closures and business restrictions, lacked rigorous trials so their benefits are unclear. This shows we need evidence-driven policies that consider harms as well as benefits.

Your Money or Your Life

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Issues Patient rights Medical Ethics
  1. Patients with insurance are sometimes asked to pay the full cost of treatment upfront, which can be very high, making healthcare access difficult.
  2. Many healthcare providers may refuse treatment to insured patients if they can't pay large amounts in cash before receiving care, creating ethical concerns.
  3. Patients can protect themselves by understanding their insurance, confirming costs beforehand, and knowing their options if they face payment demands at appointments.

The fluoride debate

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1979 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Community health Dental Health
  1. Fluoride helps strengthen our teeth and prevents cavities, which is why it's in toothpaste and is often added to public water supplies.
  2. Fluoridated water has been effective in reducing tooth decay overall, especially in communities with less access to dental care.
  3. The safety of fluoride is based on careful dosage; while high levels can be harmful, the amount used in drinking water is considered safe for everyone.

The Depravity of the Hospital Protocol

COVID Reason • 1903 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Campaign
  1. Billboard campaign in Ridgefield, NJ highlights deadly hospital protocol during COVID.
  2. Federal government incentivized hospitals to use Remdesivir and ventilators, leading to medical harm.
  3. FormerFeds Freedom Foundation seeks justice for loved ones lost due to hospital protocol and aims to raise awareness through billboards and other initiatives.

The Forced Medication of All Citizens

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1139 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Pandemic Preparedness
  1. Historically, the acceptance of medication started with voluntary use, then shifted to recommendations, and eventually became mandatory for safety.
  2. The current trend suggests a future where medication may be mandated by law, conditioning people to comply without question.
  3. Global emergencies are being used to justify stockpiling medication and giving organizations like the WHO significant control over policies and responses.

Mapping UnitedHealth’s consumption of our health care system – from the ‘70s to today

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Policy Acquisitions Corporate Power
  1. UnitedHealth has grown significantly by acquiring many health companies since the 1970s. This has made it one of the biggest and most influential health care companies in the U.S.
  2. Their acquisitions have changed how health care is managed, often focusing more on profit rather than patient care. Some companies they've bought have faced criticism for denying necessary treatments.
  3. UnitedHealth's size allows it to impact many areas of health care, from insurance to the providers of medical services. This has raised concerns about its influence over patient care and competition in the market.

Increased risk of 20%? Dr. JimThorp, obstetrician/gynecologist who led the fight against the COVID mRNA technology gene injections as to harms on the fetus, mother, newborn, as has Dr. Naomi Wolf, are

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 530 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Research Healthcare COVID-19 Women's Health
  1. A new study suggests a 20% increased risk of severe bleeding post-mRNA vaccination in women hospitalized for heavy menstrual bleeding.
  2. The study focused on women aged 15-50 who experienced heavy menstrual bleeding post-mRNA vaccination in France between May 2021 and August 2022, with 99.8% receiving Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Spikevax (Moderna).
  3. Primary vaccination doses showed a 20% increased risk, particularly in socially disadvantaged municipalities and among women not using hormonal contraception, but this increased risk was not found for booster doses.

This one paragraph in abstract of the Mead, Wolfinger, Rose, Seneff, Kirsch et al. paper and these 3 words indicate why this abstract MUST be rewritten (paper taken down): 1)'modified' is a Malone

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 530 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health
  1. The abstract of the paper calls for a temporary halt on modified mRNA products until certain questions are answered.
  2. There is concern that the language used in the abstract could soften the stance against mRNA technology and COVID vaccines.
  3. The need for clarity and transparency in scientific communication to ensure the public receives the truth without any games.

2 men with same problem, one a POTUS, one a bench pipetting scientist, one a leader, one a fraud: Trump vs Malone, how do they have same problem? 1)Trump, was against lockdowns & vaccine now supports

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 511 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Politics Public Health Vaccines COVID-19 Science Leadership
  1. Trump initially against lockdowns and vaccines, now supporting them. Needs to address why he shifted his stance.
  2. Dr. Malone, an advocate of mRNA technology, faced criticism for supporting vaccines based on his technology but then going against them. People question his credibility.
  3. Both Trump and Malone need to address their inconsistencies and the public's distrust towards their actions and statements.

Hospital rebuild plans ‘progressing at pace' and ‘fairly simple’ says health boss

NN Journal • 735 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Public funding
  1. Hospital rebuild plans for Kettering General Hospital are progressing quickly and smoothly.
  2. The hospital's director noted that the project is considered 'fairly simple' compared to others due to its location and lack of lengthy land sales and planning permissions.
  3. Some car parking on the site will be lost during the construction of a new energy center, resulting in a reduction in staff parking.

The ‘Wild, Wild West’ of the American Egg Donor Industry

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Fertility Medical Ethics Women's Health Healthcare access
  1. The egg donation industry is often seen as an easy way to make money, but it comes with hidden long-term risks that many donors don't fully understand.
  2. Donors like Kaylene Breeding can experience serious health issues after donating, such as fertility problems and chronic pain.
  3. There is a lack of research on the long-term effects of egg donation, leaving many donors unaware of the potential consequences to their health.

Marketing Medicare Advantage to seniors of color – even when it’s bad for their health

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Medicare Advantage Racial Disparities Insurance policies Patient Advocacy
  1. Many seniors of color, especially Black and Latino seniors, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, but these plans often don't cover necessary care. This can lead to serious health issues and preventable hospitalizations.
  2. The marketing for Medicare Advantage often misleads seniors into believing they will receive good care, but the reality is that many end up facing care denials and complicated processes that are hard to navigate.
  3. There are significant racial disparities in the quality of care provided through Medicare Advantage. This impacts the well-being of seniors of color, who are often targeted by aggressive marketing strategies that don't fully explain the potential downsides.

Covid Situation Report: Mar 28, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 339 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemics Vaccination Disease Surveillance
  1. Covid cases and hospital admissions are currently low and showing a downward trend. This means the winter surge is considered over.
  2. The Juno variant is still the main strain, but no new variants have been detected that could cause another surge.
  3. A Spring 2024 booster campaign is starting for vulnerable groups, reminding us that older individuals have a higher risk of hospitalization if infected.

BOMBSHELL: The CDC Has Updated Its “Autism and Vaccines” Page

Injecting Freedom • 152 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Health Policy Autism Scientific research
  1. The CDC has updated its stance on vaccines and autism, admitting that they haven't proven that vaccines do not cause autism.
  2. Previous studies suggesting there is no link between vaccines and autism have serious flaws and have been largely ignored by health authorities.
  3. The CDC is now supporting further research on the relationship between infant vaccines and autism, acknowledging that more studies are needed.

Year-on-year COVID comparisons

Logging the World • 1056 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Data Analysis Public Health Vaccination Epidemiology
  1. Overall, COVID admissions and death rates in 2023 are lower than the corresponding days in 2022, suggesting positive progress in managing the virus.
  2. Comparisons of primary beds occupied 'for COVID' show similar positive trends in 2023 compared to 2022, indicating improved conditions.
  3. The data suggests that in 2023, COVID outcomes have improved significantly compared to previous years, with lower deaths and better management, showcasing progress in handling the pandemic.

Vaccines for all?

Independent SAGE continues • 299 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Global Health Public Health Health Equity Disease Prevention
  1. Many children around the world are not getting vaccinated, especially in poor or remote areas. This puts them at high risk for diseases like measles, which is highly contagious.
  2. Vaccine access can be improved with flexible delivery methods, like mobile clinics that bring vaccines directly to communities. This has worked well in places like Sierra Leone and Scotland.
  3. There's a lot of fear and misinformation about vaccines that affects people's willingness to get vaccinated. It's important to listen to concerns and provide accurate information to build trust.

Prominent Hollywood Director Makes Wild, Inaccurate Claims About New Zealand's COVID Policies And Outcomes, Calls US Insane

Unmasked • 41 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Misinformation Government Policy Civil Liberties Media Critique
  1. Supporters of strict COVID measures are described as acting like religious fanatics who cared more about moral superiority than real-world results.
  2. James Cameron is singled out for making wild, inaccurate claims about New Zealand’s COVID response and for calling the US 'insane,' presented as an example of that mindset.
  3. The piece argues that lockdowns, mandates, and other COVID policies were repeatedly proven wrong, yet many people refuse to admit the outcomes didn’t justify those measures.

Press release: The Lesbian Project releases new report about the category of sexual orientation in the England and Wales Census

Julie Bindel's podcasts and writing • 589 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics
  1. The Lesbian Project found problems with the collection of data about lesbians in the 2021 England and Wales Census.
  2. The ONS did not follow Equality Act 2010 definitions of sexual orientation, leading to errors in measuring sexual orientation in the census.
  3. Issues identified with collecting data about lesbians also apply to gay men.

How Employers Can Easily Bend the Rx Cost Curve

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Costs Prescription drugs Insurance Legislation
  1. Employers can save money on prescription drugs by creating a competitive environment for pharmacy benefit management (PBM) contracts. This means they should compare prices from various PBMs to find the best deal.
  2. Using objective pricing metrics helps employers understand exactly how much they are paying for drugs. By focusing on all costs including fees and ensuring transparency, they can cut down unnecessary expenses.
  3. Employers should keep track of their spending regularly and adjust as needed. This ongoing management can lead to significant savings for both the employer and employees without limiting access to necessary medications.

Bi-partisan pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform bill gets endorsement from AARP

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Pharmacy Legislation Medicare
  1. A new bill to reform pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is getting support from AARP, which is important for many Medicare beneficiaries.
  2. The bill aims to change how PBMs are paid, moving away from linking their fees to drug prices, which can lead to higher costs for patients.
  3. Bipartisan support for this reform shows that both political sides agree on the need to address high prescription drug prices.