The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

Outbreak Outlook - National - June 23

Force of Infection • 35 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Infectious Disease Epidemiology Health Policy
  1. COVID-19 levels are currently low, but some areas are seeing a slight increase in activity. It's important to keep an eye on different regions as the situation can change.
  2. Influenza cases are very minimal right now, with fewer people visiting doctors for symptoms like fever or sore throat. Most age groups report low levels of flu illness.
  3. Norovirus cases are declining, which is a positive sign as we head into summer. Keeping track of these trends helps us stay prepared for any outbreaks.

New Czech dataset has ICD10 codes of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated female deaths

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Mortality Epidemiology Public Health Health data Women's Health
  1. A Czech record-level dataset links women's vaccination histories to ICD‑10 underlying causes of death and spans back to 1994, but it only covers women and originally reported events at monthly resolution rather than weekly.
  2. A preliminary ICD‑10 comparison finds different cause distributions between vaccinated and unvaccinated deaths (for example, higher shares of heart failure, diabetes, COVID, and neurologic causes among vaccinated deaths and higher cardiovascular shares among unvaccinated), but aggregate counts are confounded by long pre-vaccine records, older vaccinated populations, and baseline mortality differences.
  3. The data and analysis code are available for further study, and because the file records only underlying cause (not multiple causes) and has limited time resolution, careful age- and time-restricted analyses are needed to look for possible safety signals such as acute kidney injury.

Stop Blaming The US For Measles

Marginally Compelling • 29 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Disease Control
  1. Measles cases in the US are at a 30-year high, but vaccination rates are still mostly above 90%. This means the situation might not be as dire as it sounds.
  2. The real risk for measles outbreaks tends to come from communities with low vaccination rates, especially close-knit groups that may reject vaccines altogether.
  3. Many of the measles cases come from neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico where vaccination rates are lower, highlighting the importance of international vaccination efforts.

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.
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A CLOSER LOOK: The Mid Year Earnings of 7 Big For-Profit Insurance Companies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medicare Medicaid Profitability Government funding
  1. The largest for-profit insurance companies made $43.8 billion in profits and had $620.6 billion in revenue, mostly from taxpayer money. This shows how much they benefit financially from government programs.
  2. Three major insurers control 80% of the pharmacy benefit market. This means they have a huge influence over how prescription medications are managed and priced.
  3. A large number of Americans are underinsured, with 43.4% lacking sufficient coverage. This highlights a growing issue in healthcare, where many people struggle to afford medical care despite having insurance.

The National Academy of Medicine is only inducting COVID commenters who were incorrect

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 103 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Policy Analysis Trust Issues
  1. The National Academy of Medicine is mostly recognizing people who gave wrong advice about COVID-19. It's surprising that many who commented about COVID-19 and were inducted were incorrect.
  2. There seems to be a focus on honoring those who were strongly in favor of measures like masking and lockdowns. This suggests a loyalty to a specific viewpoint rather than evaluating based on facts or merit.
  3. This trend can hurt public trust in health institutions. If organizations are driven by ideology instead of balanced evidence, it makes people skeptical about their recommendations.

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.

To Paul Offit: An invitation to a public, evidence-bounded discussion

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Vaccine Safety Public Health Scientific Debate Peer Review Epidemiology Public Trust
  1. A focused public discussion is proposed to answer one narrow question: whether mRNA COVID-19 vaccines showed a clear net mortality benefit based on peer-reviewed studies.
  2. The discussion would be strictly evidence-bounded and structured: 60 minutes, only peer-reviewed papers (each side submits up to three in advance), materials shared 14 days before, equal talk time, and a method-focused review of assumptions and bias.
  3. To encourage participation and transparency, a charitable donation would be offered to the invited expert, the session and referenced materials would be made public, and an alternative expert is acceptable if the invitee declines.

More suggestions for FDA reform for a Trump presidency

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 98 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Regulatory Affairs Healthcare policy Scientific Integrity
  1. The FDA should stop allowing pharmaceutical companies to advertise directly to consumers. This could help reduce biased promotion of drugs.
  2. It's important to improve transparency in the FDA's decision-making process and ensure that medical advice is based on solid evidence.
  3. We need better oversight of the fees the FDA charges for reviews so that smaller businesses aren't unfairly priced out, and more funding should go into tracking the safety of drugs after they are approved.

We’re Not Curing Cancer Here, Guys

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 204 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Research Fraud Oncology Data Transparency
  1. Transparency of raw data in medical research is crucial to uncovering fraud, as many papers only present summaries hiding potential malpractice.
  2. In medical research, the data presented in scientific papers is akin to a curated dating profile, showing only a portion of the actual work done.
  3. Calls for greater transparency, such as making all raw data available when publishing medical research, are crucial to combat fraud and encourage accountability in the field.

The New York Times still won't cover covid honestly

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 200 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Healthcare Media Opinions
  1. Improving air quality did not stop COVID19 in Kindergartens. No evidence shows that upgrading air quality reduces seasonal respiratory viruses effectively.
  2. Masking may not be necessary in 2024. Few individuals are wearing masks as they are inexpensive and easily available online, suggesting a reduced need for them.
  3. The New York Times seems to be biased in covering COVID. It is important to accept life's risks, not wear masks unnecessarily, and focus on socialization and personal care.

Wall Street to Elevance (formerly Anthem) Executives: Stop paying medical claims... or else.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Issues Healthcare Costs
  1. Insurance companies are increasing out-of-pocket costs to avoid paying medical claims. This means patients end up paying more, making healthcare less affordable.
  2. Wall Street puts pressure on insurers to keep profits high, which can lead to practices like denying claims or raising premiums. This can hurt many people who need insurance.
  3. Many Americans with insurance are still in medical debt because of high out-of-pocket expenses. Even those with coverage can find it hard to get the care they need without facing huge bills.

Interested in the U.S. health care system? Here's what you need to know going into 2023.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Policy Advocacy Medicare
  1. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are under scrutiny in Congress, with both political parties examining their roles in rising healthcare costs. It's important for patient advocates to educate lawmakers on the real impacts of PBMs.
  2. Health insurance benefits have been decreasing over the years, making care less affordable for many Americans, especially women. People are paying higher premiums but getting less coverage now than in the past.
  3. Rural areas face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, especially with transportation. Lack of options for medical transport can make it hard for patients in these regions to attend necessary appointments.

What RFK Jr. can do as Secretary of Health and Human Services

Unreported Truths • 91 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Public Health Health Policy Drug policy Vaccine Policy
  1. Limit how often drugs can be advertised to help patients make better choices. It’s important to make sure medicine is about health, not just selling products.
  2. Open up information about COVID-19 and vaccine safety to the public. This means sharing everything from lab investigations to side effects so people can trust what they’re getting.
  3. Make healthcare more affordable by promoting cheaper generic options and limiting hospital executive pay. This can help more people access the care they need without high costs.

NBC Blasts Trump and Kennedy for Wanting to Conduct Vaccine-Autism Studies

Injecting Freedom • 84 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Autism Public Health Political Debate Medical Research
  1. NBC criticized Trump and Kennedy for wanting to explore a possible link between vaccines and autism. They say it has been thoroughly studied and debunked, but some people think more research is needed.
  2. Many parents of autistic children believe vaccines might have caused their child's autism. However, there haven't been enough studies specifically on this issue to confirm or deny that link.
  3. Despite claims that vaccines don't cause autism, there’s a lack of solid studies backing it up. This raises questions about the safety of vaccines and other health concerns that parents have.

A poll: how many of you are physicians or other medical professionals? (And WHY do you read Unreported Truths?)

Unreported Truths • 28 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Medical Ethics Public Health Patient rights Medical Professionals
  1. Many doctors are unhappy with the healthcare system and feel its problems are not being addressed. They are looking for honest discussions about these issues.
  2. There is a growing disconnect between medical professionals and the institutions they work for. Many feel alienated and unrepresented by established organizations.
  3. The newsletter is gaining traction among medical professionals who feel their views are not considered by major medical journals. They appreciate getting a platform to share their concerns.

Breast binders for 13-year-old girls funded by RainbowYOUTH NZ

A B’Old Woman • 139 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Youth health Gender Issues Mental health Public Policy Reproductive Rights
  1. RainbowYOUTH NZ provides breast binders to 13-year-old girls without needing parental permission. This raises questions about parental rights and the safety of the children.
  2. Breast binders can be harmful, as they may lead to health issues like breathing difficulties and back pain. They are similar to old-fashioned corsets that shape the body unnaturally.
  3. There are concerns about the ethics of giving potentially harmful items to minors. Some people wonder if organizations like RainbowYOUTH truly have the best interests of young people in mind.

The Apex Predator Of Captured Science: Dr Robert Malone

Who is Robert Malone • 33 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Ethics Vaccination Media influence Policy Reform
  1. Dr. Robert Malone is seen as a threat to the established powers because he has in-depth knowledge of the medical and political systems, which makes him a strong opponent against misinformation.
  2. The media's response to Malone suggests they feel threatened by him, as they use tactics like character attacks instead of focusing on his credentials and contributions to science.
  3. It's important to critically evaluate information and media narratives, especially when there's a coordinated attack on someone, as this often signals that they pose a real challenge to the status quo.

CDC Director Is Exhibit A That 'Experts' Have Learned Nothing From COVID

Unmasked • 73 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Analysis Crisis Management Pandemic response
  1. The CDC made mistakes in managing COVID-19, like failing to roll out tests properly and giving confusing mask advice. This led to a lot of public criticism.
  2. Their guidance on masks changed too many times without strong evidence to support the changes. They often relied on poor studies that were quickly disproven.
  3. Despite the backlash and criticism, the CDC didn't seem to learn from their mistakes or adjust their approach effectively during the pandemic.

Covid's most dangerous moment

Unreported Truths • 86 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Policy Analysis Media Critique Government actions
  1. In March 2020, WHO suggested that health authorities might need to remove infected people from their homes to control Covid spread. This was a controversial idea, especially considering the risks involved.
  2. At that time, public health officials were in a state of panic, even when it was clear that Covid posed a low risk to most healthy adults. This led to extreme measures that many thought were unnecessary.
  3. If things had been worse, the proposals for quarantining families could have gained more traction. It's important to learn from this history to prevent similar approaches in the future.

Happy Thanksgiving! And let's all give thanks that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is about to run the National Institutes of Health

Unreported Truths • 85 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Epidemiology Medical Ethics Scientific Debate
  1. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is set to lead the National Institutes of Health, and he is known for being a scientist who values debate and open discussion.
  2. His early research on Covid suggested that the infection rate was higher than reported, which led to questioning the strict lockdown measures that were put in place.
  3. Hopefully, Bhattacharya's leadership will foster a culture of openness in scientific inquiry, allowing for diverse perspectives and research to be explored.

Inaccurate Study Claims More Masking Would Have Stopped COVID

Unmasked • 79 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Mask Mandates Misinformation Policy Analysis
  1. There is no solid evidence showing that wearing masks helps stop the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19. Many studies from before 2020 found that masks are not effective.
  2. Despite the lack of evidence, some people continue to insist that more masking would have made a difference during the pandemic.
  3. It's important to recognize that a lot of the information about masks has been based on political beliefs rather than scientific facts.

A huge new Danish study finds no link between aluminum in vaccines and childhood injury, including autism

Unreported Truths • 25 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Child Health Research Studies Safety concerns
  1. A large Danish study looked at data from 1.2 million children and found no link between aluminum in vaccines and childhood injuries or autism.
  2. The research suggests that children who received more aluminum from vaccines didn't have a higher chance of getting diagnosed with any disorders before the age of five.
  3. Despite some criticisms, this study helps reassure parents about the safety of traditional vaccines, especially at a time when many are questioning vaccine safety.

Denmark is the ideal country to do vaccine/autism studies because it's almost guaranteed never to find a link

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Diagnosis
  1. Denmark is seen as a good place for vaccine studies because its diagnosis process for autism is much slower than in other countries. This means many cases are diagnosed later, making it look like there is less of a problem.
  2. The vaccination schedule in Denmark is different, with fewer vaccines given to infants. This might cause developmental issues to show up later, skewing the data in studies that don't account for these differences.
  3. Using Danish data in studies can give a false impression of low autism rates. The delays in diagnosis make it seem like there are fewer cases than there actually are, which could mislead conclusions about the effects of vaccines.

Results from rapid onset autism survey show a significant temporal association with vaccines

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Autism Public Health Research Epidemiology
  1. A survey found a strong link between the timing of vaccines and the onset of autism. This connection should not be ignored.
  2. No previous studies have looked at how vaccine timing relates to autism. This lack of research raises questions about what is being investigated.
  3. The author plans to fund a new, unbiased survey to gather more data on this topic and ensure the questions are reviewed by an impartial expert.

High deductibles helped UnitedHealth reach $7 billion in profits in Q2 as a 14-year-old begs for deductible assistance on GoFundMe.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 15 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy
  1. UnitedHealth made $7 billion in profits during the second quarter, thanks in part to high deductibles in health insurance plans. This means they are doing really well financially.
  2. A 14-year-old named Ava Hope has health insurance but cannot afford the high out-of-pocket costs and is asking for help on GoFundMe. Her story highlights the struggles many face even with insurance.
  3. Many people in the U.S. are suffering and going into debt due to insurance costs while companies like UnitedHealth focus on profits. There's a call for Congress to lower costs so people can actually use their insurance when they need it.

I spoke with GOP Rep. Buddy Carter. He thinks Republicans and Democrats can find common ground on PBMs, high out-of-pocket costs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Pharmaceuticals Cost reduction Legislation Bipartisanship
  1. Rep. Buddy Carter believes both Republicans and Democrats can work together to tackle high drug costs and the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
  2. Many patients struggle with getting necessary medications due to high out-of-pocket costs and complicated insurance processes, leading to significant stress and hardship.
  3. Carter advocates for breaking up the power of large PBMs and pushing for more transparency in drug pricing to make healthcare more affordable for everyone.

What I’m reading in health care this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Medicare Insurance Legislation Public Policy
  1. Restaurant workers' money is being used for lobbying instead of improving their wages and healthcare. This is hurting low-wage workers who really need better support.
  2. More seniors are signing up for Medicare Advantage plans, which may not be as beneficial as they seem. It's important for legislators and the public to be cautious about these private plans.
  3. The process for getting medical approvals is becoming a huge hassle for doctors and patients. There are calls for reforms to make it easier and less burdensome to access necessary healthcare services.

Former China FDA Chief on Biopharmaceutical Industry's Achievements and Challenges

Pekingnology • 192 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Industry Regulations Challenges Innovation Development
  1. China's biopharmaceutical industry has made significant advancements but is now facing challenges, including the loss of market value.
  2. The industry has seen growth in innovative drugs, improved quality of generic drugs, and a rise in biopharmaceutical companies.
  3. Challenges in the industry include difficulty in getting new drugs on medical insurance lists, accessing hospital procurement lists, and a reduction in venture capital.

Take RFK Jr seriously: what RFK Jr. gets right and wrong

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 288 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Vaccine Safety Public Health Medical Ethics Media Coverage
  1. RFK Jr. has valid points about corporate influence in politics and government corruption.
  2. RFK Jr. highlights failures in Covid-19 policies such as lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
  3. RFK Jr. advocates for stricter oversight on vaccine safety and criticizes the close relationship between FDA and pharmaceutical companies.

The New and Horrible Moderna Shot: How to Stay Sane

Tessa Fights Robots • 30 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Government Policy Health Education Crisis Management
  1. It's important to stay aware of what we get injected with, especially with new vaccines like Moderna's. Many people feel uncertain about the safety and effectiveness of these shots.
  2. We have the power to control our own lives and decisions. Recognizing that we're not victims of political actions can help us focus on our own well-being.
  3. Taking care of ourselves and making informed choices is essential, especially in a world filled with unhealthy influences. Connecting with our own inner strength can guide us through tough times.

Clinicians Hate NGS?

ASeq Newsletter • 72 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Genetics Healthcare Diagnostics Patient Advocacy
  1. Many doctors are not keen on genetic tests because they believe the tests do not change how patients are treated. This attitude makes it hard for patients to get the tests they need.
  2. It's not just about the cost of testing; the main issue is that doctors often don't like running tests if they feel there's no direct benefit to patients.
  3. To improve the situation, we need to raise awareness among doctors and patients about the benefits of whole genome sequencing, especially for those with rare diseases. Grassroots efforts can help push for more understanding and acceptance of these tests.

In 2021, 72% of UnitedHealth’s $222.9 billion revenue came from taxpayers.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 27 Jan 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Industry Government programs Public funding Health economics
  1. In 2021, most of UnitedHealth's revenue, about 72%, came from taxpayer money, highlighting their dependence on government programs.
  2. The majority of UnitedHealth's growth in the last decade came from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, not from private insurance.
  3. Healthcare costs for families are rising, with premiums and deductibles taking a larger slice of their income compared to a decade ago.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 16

Force of Infection • 69 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Disease Surveillance Food Safety Healthcare system
  1. Influenza-like illness is on the rise, especially in the southern U.S., with young children seeing a slight decrease in cases. This suggests a possible peak in activity as we move into the new year.
  2. COVID-19 cases are starting to pick up again, particularly in the Midwest, though severe illness remains low. It's a good time to stock up on at-home tests ahead of holiday gatherings.
  3. Norovirus is seeing high positivity rates this year, especially in the West and Midwest. It's important to be cautious and aware of food recalls related to contamination.

While UnitedHealth reports $24 Billion in profits, Americans faced 200% increases in out-of-pockets over last decade

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Costs Profits Policy
  1. UnitedHealth made a record profit of $24 billion, which is the highest ever for any U.S. insurer. This raises concerns about how the company is managing its resources while also charging customers more.
  2. Americans have seen their healthcare costs skyrocket, with out-of-pocket expenses increasing by 200% over the last decade. This means people are paying much more for healthcare, even when they have insurance.
  3. Health insurance premiums and deductibles now take a larger share of people's incomes, affecting families in many states. Many insured people are still struggling to afford care due to higher costs.

Livestreaming: CDC ACIP meeting starts at 8:00 AM

Who is Robert Malone • 5 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Immunization Health Policy Government Agencies Epidemiology Regulatory Affairs
  1. The CDC ACIP meeting will be livestreamed starting at 8:00 AM.
  2. The CDC agenda and related materials are provided and shown with images so viewers can follow the topics, with links to the agenda.
  3. The post is public and invites readers to subscribe or share, noting it is reader-supported.

On why Substack - and your support -matters so much

Unreported Truths • 24 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Public Health Mental health Health Equity Health Communication
  1. Substack allows for important stories to be told that might not get attention elsewhere, especially longer pieces that can explain complicated topics.
  2. The platform offers a place for free speech, particularly for views that may be censored on social media.
  3. Personal stories, like that of Simone Scott, highlight the real impacts of broader health discussions and the need for transparency about vaccine safety.

A novel analysis of the Pfizer trial:vaccine effectiveness was nowhere near 95%

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Policy Public Health Epidemiology Health data Clinical Trials
  1. The Pfizer vaccine may not prevent infections but only reduce symptoms in those already infected. This means vaccinated people could still get sick without showing symptoms.
  2. The claim that the vaccine was 95% effective against infection is based on flawed assumptions. It assumes that infections were detected equally and that vaccines prevent infections, which may not be true.
  3. Real-world data shows many fully vaccinated people experienced breakthrough infections, suggesting the vaccine's impact on stopping infection was likely very small or none.