The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

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1,135 days

COVID Reason • 1506 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Impact Children's Health Vaccination Debate Institutional Trust
  1. The United States spent 1,135 days under a national emergency declaration due to Covid.
  2. Covid policies led to significant consequences like healthcare disruptions, flawed Covid models, and privacy concerns.
  3. The impact on child health and development, global rise in child labor, and negative effects on education were profound outcomes of Covid regulations.

Today's the day

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1169 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Election Impact Mental health Political Discourse
  1. Election day is important for public health in the U.S. It can greatly affect how health policies are shaped and implemented.
  2. Open conversations between different political groups are crucial for building trust in public health. Everyone needs to work together to improve health outcomes.
  3. No matter the election result, those in public health will keep fighting for better health for everyone. The commitment to serve the public remains strong.

It's Almost Impossible To Fathom The Level Of Stupidity This Harvard Medical School Study Manages To Sink To

Unmasked • 46 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Research Vaccines Misinformation Institutional Trust Pandemic Policy
  1. Some high-profile medical institutions published COVID studies that appear deeply flawed and sometimes absurd.
  2. Several studies used weak methods or drew implausible conclusions — for example relying on phone surveys to claim mask mandates worked or modeling that linked vaccines to fewer deaths from unrelated causes.
  3. Those publications helped erode public trust, feeding accusations of fear-mongering and political bias in science.

Private Medicare blitz: for-profit health insurers are pressing hard for new enrollees in their taxpayer-supported Medicare businesses in 2024

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare Costs Consumer Rights Aging Population
  1. Private Medicare plans are trying hard to gain new members, often using appealing offers like gym memberships and grocery cards to entice seniors.
  2. Many seniors who switch to these plans may face unexpected costs, like high deductibles, and risk being denied coverage for essential medical services.
  3. It's important for seniors to carefully consider the long-term impact of switching to private Medicare plans, especially if they have serious health needs.

How Much Will It Cost to Die?

OK Doomer • 288 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Costs Elder Care Insurance Issues
  1. The cost of healthcare is really high, and people often face huge bills when dealing with serious health issues, like dying. It's important to think about how families manage these costs.
  2. As the world changes and things become more difficult, many people feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. It's hard to accept that we can't rely on anyone else to save us.
  3. Survival isn't just about practical skills; it's also about understanding the systems that can hurt us, like medical bills. We need to take care of each other as best we can in tough times.
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Dr. Daniel Hurley, advocate for health insurance reform, dies at 50

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Medical Ethics Insurance Policy Patient Advocacy Chronic Illness
  1. Dr. Daniel Hurley was a strong advocate for health insurance reform. He wanted to bring more transparency to the insurance industry.
  2. Even while battling cancer, he worked hard to fight against insurance companies that denied necessary medical treatments. He was determined to make changes that would help patients.
  3. His passing at 50 is a big loss, but his family and friends plan to continue his mission for better healthcare practices.

Letters to the Editor: ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Gets the Facts Wrong

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 792 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Nutrition Wellness Policy
  1. There's a new movement called MAHA, or 'Make America Healthy Again,' which includes people with different views on health and nutrition.
  2. Some people are questioning the accuracy and safety of vaccines and other scientific claims, which has led to strong opinions and debates.
  3. Doctors are particularly concerned about the misinformation being spread by the MAHA advocates, especially regarding children's health and vaccines.

ObesityWeek and The Obesity Society - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 579 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Weight Obesity Research Profit Advertising
  1. ObesityWeek is organized by The Obesity Society, serving the weight loss industry rather than focusing on supporting the health of higher-weight individuals
  2. The Obesity Society uses its research journal, Obesity, to publish articles that align with its weight-centric paradigm
  3. ObesityWeek is a lucrative event for The Obesity Society, with significant revenue coming from sponsors and exhibitors

The Dose (December 6)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1002 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Infectious Diseases Health Policy Epidemiology
  1. Getting vaccinated for Covid-19 at the right time can make a big difference. If you haven't had Covid recently, fall is a good time for your shot.
  2. The flu vaccine is important and does not give you the flu. It reduces severe cases, and many misunderstandings about it need to be cleared up.
  3. HPV vaccinations are really effective and can significantly lower the risk of cervical cancer in young women. This shows how important vaccines are for public health.

Prescription for Corruption: How the AAP’s Vaccine Empire Faces a Legal Reckoning

Who is Robert Malone • 21 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination policy Public Health Regulatory Oversight Legal action Vaccine Safety
  1. Lawsuits allege that the AAP, CDC, and related actors ran a coordinated scheme to mislead the public about vaccine safety, claiming data suppression and conflicts of interest under RICO-style accusations.
  2. Critics argue the childhood vaccine schedule lacks comprehensive cumulative safety studies and say ingredients like adjuvants or multiple simultaneous shots could contribute to immune or long-term health problems, with adverse events underinvestigated.
  3. The legal fights and demands for transparency risk eroding public trust in pediatric institutions and could drive major policy, legal, and disclosure changes around vaccine recommendations and conflicts of interest.

How UnitedHealth became Goliath, Medusa and mythical sirens all wrapped into one

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Corporate Influence Public Health Economic Impact
  1. UnitedHealth has grown to be one of the biggest companies in the world, worth nearly half a trillion dollars. It has more members than the population of many countries, showing just how large its impact is.
  2. UnitedHealth is more than just an insurance company; it employs thousands of doctors and has various services like pharmacies and clinics. This makes it a big player in the healthcare industry.
  3. The article suggests it's important to understand how companies like UnitedHealth affect our healthcare costs and decisions about care. Their influence is significant, and we need to be aware of it.

Make America Healthy Again?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1193 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Health Policy Healthcare access Disease Prevention Health Education
  1. To improve America's health, we need to focus on real problems and not get distracted by minor issues. Understanding the causes of our health problems is critical.
  2. Access to quality healthcare and addressing social factors like food access is essential for reducing preventable diseases. Solutions should consider both health care and lifestyle.
  3. Public health relies on evidence-based practices. Ideas that sound good but lack strong backing might not help at all and could even make things worse.

Without health insurance, poverty is just a medical bill away

American Inequality • 609 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medicaid Medical Debt Healthcare system
  1. Lack of health insurance leads to inequalities and higher child mortality rates.
  2. High costs hinder insurance enrollment, with many uninsured Americans being from low-income households.
  3. Employer-based health insurance in the U.S. has roots in historical events and presents challenges like 'job-lock' and lack of coverage for gig-workers.

The Dose (December 13)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 953 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Vaccines Public Health Disease Prevention Health Insurance
  1. There's a national discussion happening about the U.S. healthcare system, revealing mixed feelings among Americans. Even though many like their insurance, dissatisfaction rises when they actually need to use it.
  2. H5N1 testing in milk is finally being implemented, which is important for tracking its spread. This change comes after significant public health concern and other testing efforts at local levels.
  3. Moderna's RSV vaccine trial for infants was stopped because some babies became sicker after receiving it. This shows the ongoing challenge of developing safe vaccines for young children.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 16

Force of Infection • 96 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Vaccination Public Health Disease outbreaks Health Policy
  1. Flu activity is on the rise in the U.S., with particular concern around the H3N2 strain which has been linked to more severe seasons. It's important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
  2. COVID-19 is currently very low in activity, with fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations. But there are still some minor spikes in a few states that need to be monitored.
  3. Norovirus positivity rates are rising, especially in the South, and it's spreading quickly. This virus can cause severe stomach issues, so stay cautious and mindful of hygiene.

Free Press LIVE: My Mom Was Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Then She Got Better.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 839 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Patient Care Aging Psychology
  1. Misdiagnosis in healthcare can lead to unnecessary grief, as seen in one family's experience with Alzheimer's. It highlights how important it is for doctors to view patients as whole individuals rather than just a set of symptoms.
  2. Many people relate to the struggles of misdiagnosis and want to share their stories. This shows that there is a larger conversation around the issues in the medical system that need attention.
  3. Connecting with others who have faced similar health challenges can provide hope and community support. There is a need for open discussions about healthcare and the potential for better outcomes.

9 ways to spot falsehoods

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1105 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Misinformation Public Health Vaccines Elections Disinformation Critical Thinking
  1. Check the basic logic of claims before sharing. If something sounds outrageous, take a moment to think it through.
  2. Follow the money behind the claims you see. If someone profits from spreading a story, be cautious about believing it.
  3. Stay skeptical and ask questions. The more you look into a claim, the better you'll understand its truth.

New Zealand’s shamefully high use of puberty blockers for kids gets exposed.

A B’Old Woman • 499 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Mental health Child Health Policy Debate
  1. New Zealand has a very high rate of puberty blocker use in kids, much higher than in England, and this raises concerns.
  2. Many young people who use puberty blockers end up regretting it, but there isn't enough proper mental health support to help them before transitioning.
  3. Parents feel worried and confused because they want to support their kids but often get mixed messages about the safety of puberty blockers.

No, This Viral Study Doesn’t Prove the COVID Vaccine Worked To Prevent Deaths - Here's What It Actually Says

Unmasked • 52 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Public Health Health Misinformation Pandemic response Health Research Health Communication
  1. Early public messaging and policies around COVID vaccines often overstated their benefits — including claims of complete infection prevention, guaranteed herd immunity, and alarmist predictions about the unvaccinated.
  2. A change in leadership has reduced aggressive vaccine promotion and prompted renewed government attention and research into possible vaccine side effects.
  3. A recent viral study is being misrepresented as definitive proof that vaccines prevented deaths, and that misleading claim is being amplified on social media and by some commentators.

Join my projects: opportunities for patients/advocates and public health professionals

Force of Infection • 25 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Infectious Disease Patient Advocacy Health Policy Outbreak Response
  1. Voices in Print helps patients and advocates turn specific, actionable ideas into editorials for medical journals by pairing them with professional writers and removing cost and submission barriers.
  2. A Measles Response Repository is collecting operational data from health departments that handled measles outbreaks since 2024 to learn what strategies, staff time, and financial resources worked best.
  3. Both projects invite free participation through short submissions or surveys (without asking for personal health information) to improve clinical care and public health planning by amplifying lived experience and real-world data.

Health New Zealand seems allergic to using the word 'woman' - but not the word 'man'.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Women's Health Gender Issues Public Policy Health Communication Societal norms
  1. Health New Zealand often avoids using the term 'woman' in its communications, especially in discussions about maternity. This is surprising since it uses 'man' frequently, leading to feelings of discrimination.
  2. When discussing men's health, the language is very inclusive with terms like 'fathers' and 'brothers'. In contrast, women's health language seems limited, making it hard to identify who is being referred to in maternity contexts.
  3. Many people are concerned that avoiding 'woman' and 'mothers' while promoting language for men is problematic. This raises questions about how women's identities are represented in healthcare communications.

Why the fertility market is poised to explode

Second Opinion • 569 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Coverage
  1. The fertility market is expected to grow due to increasing demand and advancements in technology and accessibility.
  2. Infertility affects a significant portion of the population and can stem from various factors, including lifestyle and health conditions.
  3. Fertility treatments, especially in the United States, can be expensive, leading to financial strain and limited access for many individuals.

America's Peacetime Conundrum

Max Meyer Blog • 569 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Memorials Legislation Statistics
  1. In 2022, there were no US soldier combat deaths but over 300 soldier suicides.
  2. The number of veteran suicides has been consistently higher than the civilian rate, with rates increasing over time.
  3. Efforts have been made to address veteran suicide, including anti-suicide legislation and national strategies, but the impact is still being observed.

Here's how AI can REDUCE health misinformation

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Regulation
  1. AI can help find false health claims online, which can reduce health misinformation. This means that people can get more accurate information about alternative medicine.
  2. Regulating alternative medicine is important because it protects vulnerable people from being misled by unproven treatments. Clear rules can help limit the spread of false hope.
  3. Using AI to check claims made by alternative medicine clinics could help the government monitor misleading information better. This could lead to safer practices in health care.

CIA Says Pandemic Likely Started From a Lab

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Lab Safety Government Policy Science communication
  1. The CIA recently suggested that the COVID virus likely originated from a lab in Wuhan, which contradicts earlier claims that labeled this idea as a conspiracy theory. This has caused a stir among scientists and writers who previously dismissed these claims.
  2. Some scientists who once strongly rejected the lab leak theory are now reconsidering their stance, as new assessments show that the virus's origin is still unresolved. They admit there is no definitive proof for either a natural or lab-based origin.
  3. The claim that calling the lab leak theory a conspiracy was unfounded has been echoed by various commentators. Many are now acknowledging that skepticism about the virus's origin deserves more serious discussion.

First half of 2023: 7 big health insurers pulled in $683 billion in revenues – largely through taxpayer-supported programs and the pharmacy supply chain

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Healthcare Policy Economics Regulation
  1. In the first half of 2023, seven major health insurance companies made over $683 billion in revenue, mainly from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This shows a lot of reliance on taxpayer-supported programs.
  2. Despite these huge profits, Wall Street is not satisfied with the health insurers. Investors believe the companies are not raising premiums enough to keep up with demand for healthcare after pandemic delays.
  3. To please investors, these insurers may increase premiums for customers and limit coverage for medical care. This trend highlights the struggle between corporate profit motives and patient care.

The FL vaccine study used by the surgeon general was altered

Science Forever • 557 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccines Misinformation Public Health
  1. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo used an altered study to support his views on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, but the data he referred to did not compare the vaccine risks to the risks of COVID-19.
  2. Challenging scientific consensus should go through established processes like peer review, not by omitting data or spreading misinformation in op-eds and white papers.
  3. The scientific community needs to find ways to counter anti-science movements that exploit confusion and established processes to push political agendas.

Medical Groups Are Suing the HHS Over Vaccine Policies—and It’s a Good Thing

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Medical Ethics Regulatory Policy Health law Informed consent Healthcare Industry
  1. HHS narrowed the childhood vaccine schedule and shifted vaccines like flu, COVID-19, and rotavirus to shared clinical decision-making, making the U.S. schedule more like those in some European and Asian countries.
  2. Several major medical organizations sued to block those changes, and the complaint leaned heavily on appeals to authority, claims about inconvenience and financial impact, while offering little direct medical evidence.
  3. The case highlights debates over informed consent and patient choice, suggesting some doctors see patient questions or refusals as a nuisance and raising concerns about how trust and profit influence vaccination practices.

What can Colorado learn from Oregon about psilocybin?: 5 Questions for Healing Advocacy Fund’s Colorado director Tasia Poinsatte

The Microdose • 275 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Psychedelics Advocacy Regulation Data Collection Mental health
  1. Colorado's psilocybin program is expected to be fully operational by early 2025.
  2. Oregon's program highlighted the importance of allowing licensed professionals to participate in psilocybin services.
  3. Colorado is considering a tiered licensing model and enhanced training requirements for safe facilitation in their psilocybin program.

The Dose (November 1)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1002 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Mental health Vaccination Disease Control Health Research
  1. The levels of common respiratory viruses like RSV, Covid, and flu are currently low, but keep an eye out for mycoplasma pneumonia if a cough lingers. It's often mild but can be treated with antibiotics.
  2. Many people are feeling stressed about the upcoming elections, which can even lead to health issues like heart problems. It's important to take care of yourself and find ways to manage this stress.
  3. The CDC has lowered the pneumococcal vaccine eligibility to anyone 50 and older, but this could be confusing. It's essential to understand the different vaccines available and make sure you're protected.

The New Medical Supernemesis

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 794 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Ethics Policy Technology Philosophy
  1. The concept of 'the Deal' suggests a future where people can live up to 280 years, but it comes with heavy trade-offs, like losing personal belongings and facing a controlled way of dying. It's a challenging idea about how we value life and death.
  2. In this future scenario, many might feel trapped in a fake version of life, where they experience pleasant distractions instead of actually living. The imagery of a body trying to escape emphasizes the struggle against a hollow existence.
  3. Reflecting on this situation can make us question our current medical practices and life choices, similar to how historical figures have critiqued society. It invites a deeper discussion about what it truly means to live and die in our time.

What lessons can we learn from the Autumn Booster Campaign?

Independent SAGE continues • 179 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy
  1. The initial Covid vaccination program worked well for older populations, but younger groups and ethnic minorities got less attention and support. We need to keep looking for ways to involve everyone.
  2. Booster vaccination rates are falling, especially among immunocompromised individuals and younger age groups. We must find better ways to encourage these communities to get vaccinated.
  3. Only a small percentage of NHS workers received the latest booster, which is worrying given their higher risk of exposure. It's important to ensure healthcare staff are protected so they can continue to care for others.

It is unethical to mandate kids to get the COVID shot. It's easy to show with math.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Public Health Medical Ethics Clinical Trials Vaccine Safety Regulatory Oversight Pediatric health
  1. Because COVID deaths in people under 20 are extremely rare, proving a vaccine is safer than the disease would require an enormous randomized trial—about 7.5 million children followed for a year—which was never done.
  2. Without that level of evidence, recommending or mandating the vaccines for healthy children lacked the necessary statistical and ethical justification and represents a failure of regulatory oversight.
  3. Some countries quietly scaled back or restricted pediatric vaccine recommendations, but authorities largely avoided openly admitting or taking accountability for the earlier decisions.

The LOOP NOW Coalition sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to introduce bipartisan legislation to begin reducing Americans’ exposure to absurdly high out-of-pocket requirements.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 719 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medical Debt Legislation Insurance Economic Impact
  1. Many Americans, even those with health insurance, are struggling with high medical debt. This situation affects around 100 million people.
  2. The LOOP NOW Coalition is urging Congress to pass laws that lower out-of-pocket costs for healthcare. They want to limit annual expenses for medications and treatments.
  3. Currently, out-of-pocket health costs can reach over $9,000 for individuals, which makes it tough for families to afford necessary care. The coalition is working with lawmakers from both parties to tackle this issue.

The PREP Act: Unchecked Power, Zero Accountability, and a Path Forward

Who is Robert Malone • 11 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Health Policy Administrative Law Federalism Pharmaceuticals Vaccine Policy Emergency powers
  1. The PREP Act granted sweeping legal immunity to manufacturers, healthcare providers, and others, blocking most lawsuits and even overriding state licensing rules, with protections extended years beyond the declared emergency.
  2. The Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision ended judicial deference to agencies, so courts must independently interpret statutes and are likely to scrutinize or reject many expansive PREP Act interpretations like state preemption or treating guidance as legal authorization.
  3. The HHS Secretary has clear authority to narrow, rescind, or end PREP Act protections by amending the declaration or letting provisions sunset, which would restore ordinary liability, state regulatory control, and individuals’ ability to seek legal redress.

"Under the law he had no remedy." How Dr. Dan Hurley's legacy could lead to health insurance prior authorization reform

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Insurance Reform Patient Advocacy Medical Ethics Healthcare system
  1. Dr. Dan Hurley fought against health insurance practices that often deny essential treatments, even after initial approval. His struggles highlight how complicated and frustrating dealing with insurers can be for patients.
  2. The law governing health insurance makes it hard for patients to challenge denied claims, leaving many without proper remedies for their disputes. This unfair system discourages people from appealing denied medical treatments.
  3. Hurley's legacy encourages the formation of advocacy groups to help patients fight against unfair insurance practices. His story inspires others to push for change in health coverage to ease the burden on families dealing with medical needs.