The hottest Health Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

Yes, mRNA Vaccines Work—&, It Appears, Work Much Better than I Thought

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 315 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Mortality Pandemic response
  1. mRNA COVID-19 vaccines greatly lower the risk of dying from COVID and are associated with about a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality.
  2. The reduction in non‑COVID deaths is unlikely to be just selection bias; by preventing infections and long‑COVID harms across cardiovascular, thrombotic, metabolic, and neurological systems, vaccination likely reduces the lingering metabolic and inflammatory burden that raises other causes of death.
  3. Vaccine hesitancy has real costs: with about one‑fifth of people unvaccinated, adults aged 19–64 who skip mRNA vaccines face a substantially higher annual death risk (roughly 0.12% higher), implying many preventable deaths.

Insurers and Private Equity Look to Join Forces to Further Consolidate Control of Americans' Access to Health Care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Private Equity Regulation Bipartisan Politics
  1. Insurance companies and private equity firms are teaming up to gain more control over healthcare access for Americans. This partnership can lead to less competition and more power in deciding patient care.
  2. The trend of private equity buying up medical practices is rising, and this shift could make it harder for independent doctors to operate. Insurance companies are noticing this and are looking to profit from these partnerships.
  3. As more people enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, insurers like CVS/Aetna are pushing to own key healthcare services. This could steer patient referrals to their own facilities, limiting choices for patients.

Open letter to the New Zealand Health Minister.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Healthcare policy Public Health Legal Affairs Medical Ethics
  1. The open letter to New Zealand's Health Minister highlights worries about the new gender-affirming care guidelines, suggesting they lack solid evidence and consensus.
  2. It questions the credibility of organizations like WPATH and PATHA, pointing out conflicts of interest and potential political pressures affecting health guidelines.
  3. There's a call for greater caution in treating young people who identify as transgender, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices rather than 'treatment on demand.'

mRNA Injury stories - Australian academic lawyer Dr.John Woodward heaped abuse on the unvaccinated (including Novak Djokovic) and cheered mandates. He is now dying of Turbo Brain Cancer (glioblastoma)

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 3066 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccination Health Impact
  1. Dr. John Woodward, an academic lawyer, who disparaged the unvaccinated and supported mandates, is now suffering from terminal brain cancer.
  2. The story highlights the consequences of words and actions, showcasing a stark turn of events for Dr. Woodward.
  3. The situation serves as a reminder of the significance of empathy and caution in judgment towards others.

Eight Years After I First Exposed Fraudulent Monsanto Paper, Corrupt Journal Retracts It

The DisInformation Chronicle • 580 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Regulation Research Ethics Corporate Influence Food Safety
  1. The journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology has a history of publishing studies that favor corporate interests rather than genuine science. This can mislead public health policies.
  2. High-profile reports, like those from the National Academies, often include studies from this journal, potentially influencing perceptions about the safety of products like genetically modified organisms.
  3. There's a call for more accountability in scientific publishing, particularly to shut down journals that consistently promote corrupt research funded by industries instead of unbiased science.
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Confessions of a Recovering Managed Care Executive

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 839 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Public Health
  1. Working in managed care, the focus is often on lowering costs rather than ensuring quality care. This can make it hard for executives to feel good about their roles.
  2. A turning point in his career came when a doctor reminded him of the real people affected by profit-driven decisions. It made him reevaluate his path.
  3. Leaving the for-profit insurance world was tough financially, but it became the best career choice for him. He now helps doctors get fair contracts and values the work he does.

Medicare Advantage's $64 Billion Supplemental Benefits Slush Fund

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 999 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Policy Insurance Health Equity
  1. Medicare is spending around $64 billion on extra benefits for Medicare Advantage plans, like dental and vision care. But we don't really know if people are actually using these benefits.
  2. Many seniors are drawn to Medicare Advantage plans for these added perks, but some end up losing access to their preferred doctors. It's important to understand what you're giving up when switching plans.
  3. There's a growing call to improve how Medicare Advantage plans operate and to provide similar benefits to those in traditional Medicare. Everyone should have access to the same quality of care and benefits.

Medicaid and Medicare Claims Managed by Insurers Are Rising. Why Aren’t They Worried About Their Profits?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 819 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Practices Medicaid Medicare Profit Margins
  1. Insurers are seeing more claims for Medicaid and Medicare, but they aren't worried about profits. This is surprising to many people looking at the rising costs.
  2. Insurance companies can limit patient care by using tactics like prior authorization, which makes it hard for people to get needed treatment. This helps them keep their profits high.
  3. Medicare Advantage plans allow insurers to charge seniors more out-of-pocket costs. Insurers do this to maximize their profits while still getting a steady payment from the government.

A Modest Disposal

The Fry Corner • 2457 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug policy Public Health Substance Abuse Mental health
  1. Banning a specific drug could significantly improve the world. The idea is that removing this drug will bring about positive change for humanity.
  2. Many people have different experiences with drugs. Some have never tried anything, while others have tried many different kinds.
  3. There is a strong belief that finding solutions to drug-related issues can lead to happiness and fulfillment for society. A comprehensive plan may help tackle these challenges.

Men and ovarian cancer – the bewildering billboard in New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 1298 implied HN points • 05 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Gender Issues Communication Strategies
  1. A billboard for ovarian cancer featuring a young man has caused confusion about who can get this disease. People assumed it was promoting the idea that men can also have ovarian cancer, which led to a public debate.
  2. The health organization's wording may seem ambiguous, as it suggests that 'ovarian cancer can affect anyone'. This phrasing made many question why a man was the focus, when ovarian cancer primarily affects women.
  3. There is a concern that using unclear language regarding women's health issues risks overshadowing women's experiences and identities. The billboard didn’t directly mention women, leading to confusion about the message it was trying to convey.

Breaking echo chambers, white-label resources, and this month’s top science picks

Your Local Epidemiologist • 625 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Epidemiology Communication Vaccination Research
  1. There’s growing investment in infrastructure to connect institutions, experts, and the public for better health communication. A new social-media program has launched with support from parent advocates.
  2. White-label scientific briefs are now available so people can share evidence with decision-makers under their own branding. The latest downloadable guide focuses on community water fluoridation.
  3. Five recent studies were highlighted, including a rise in parents refusing newborn vitamin K shots and notable oral GLP-1 trial results. These findings are being tracked because they could affect clinical choices and public health messaging.

The FDA’s New “Transparency” Database

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Regulatory Policy Public Health Government Agencies Drug Safety Vaccines Data Transparency
  1. The FDA launched AEMS to merge seven legacy adverse-event databases into a single, real-time searchable system that should improve access and save money.
  2. Adverse-event reports are early-warning signals, not proof of causation, and the data remain incomplete and noisy, so consolidation may help spot patterns but won’t fix underreporting or data quality issues on its own.
  3. True transparency depends on culture and response—making data visible is useful, but real openness requires that outside researchers can analyze the data freely and regulators honestly investigate and act on safety signals.

Abortion and Adoption: The Crone Critiques

Bet On It • 130 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Abortion Reproductive Rights Bioethics Public Policy Adoption Maternal health
  1. A rescue-style thought experiment doesn’t settle whether embryos and babies have equal moral worth because the likely chances of survival and future life matter, and different technologies or circumstances could change people’s intuitions.
  2. Making abortion illegal would likely increase the number of infants available for adoption, but real-world data show only a small fraction of women denied abortions choose adoption, so policy design and financial support for parents are crucial and costly considerations.
  3. Claims that moving children to richer countries or preventing abortions clearly improves outcomes deserve humility, since survival and quality-of-life comparisons across contexts are complex and shouldn’t be assumed without careful evidence.

The Week in Abortion

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2987 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Abortion rights Reproductive Rights Legislation
  1. A campaign ad featuring personal abortion stories can have a significant impact on raising awareness and shifting views.
  2. Efforts to restrict abortion access continue, including cruel tactics like forcing women into unnecessary procedures to undermine the importance of abortion.
  3. Pro-choice groups are actively working on ballot measures to protect abortion rights, facing opposition and challenges from anti-abortion activists.

My promise to you

Your Local Epidemiologist • 6868 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Community health Public awareness
  1. The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based health information, not to add to the noise of social media. This platform is designed to help you make informed decisions for your health.
  2. Transparency is key, and it’s important to understand what the science says and what it means for you. It's okay to admit when we don’t know something and to clarify the difference between data and opinions.
  3. Public health is about people, not just statistics. Every issue will be approached with empathy to consider the real human impact behind the numbers.

mRNA Injury stories - British journalist Mike Dickson, who attacked World #1 Tennis player Novak Djokovic for being unvaccinated, died suddenly during Australian Open - journalists and medical fascism

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 2731 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccines Journalism
  1. British journalist Mike Dickson, who criticized Novak Djokovic for being unvaccinated, died suddenly during the Australian Open.
  2. The incident sparked discussions about journalists and medical fascism.
  3. The story highlights the importance of understanding the risks and consequences of mRNA injuries.

IMPACT: After HEALTH CARE un-covered’s Reporting, Medicare Profiteer Shuts Down

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Medicare Insurance Regulations Fraud
  1. A health insurance company known for misleading advertising has shut down after reports revealed their shady practices. This is good news for Medicare and its beneficiaries.
  2. The government made new rules to protect seniors from aggressive marketing tactics that this company used. These changes likely contributed to the company's downfall.
  3. Even though the company is gone, there's still a problem with how commissions are set up, which may still push seniors towards less beneficial Medicare plans.

Texas is Fabricating Abortion Data

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 5247 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Anti-Abortion Movement Women's Health Legislation
  1. Doctors in Texas are being forced to report fake abortion complications or risk losing their jobs.
  2. Texas is manipulating abortion data by requiring vague and nonsensical reporting of abortion complications.
  3. Anti-abortion organizations are using fabricated data to create a false narrative about the dangers of abortion.

Florida Surgeon General calls to halt use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, sparking debate

Maryanne Demasi, reports • 3125 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 vaccines Florida Debate Safety concerns
  1. Florida Surgeon General called for a halt in the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines due to concerns about DNA contamination.
  2. He criticized the FDA and CDC for not adequately testing whether DNA fragments in the vaccine could integrate into a person's genome.
  3. This action has sparked a debate about the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

England's ongoing Covid wave and new Long Covid research

Independent SAGE continues • 359 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Covid response Long Covid Research Epidemiology
  1. England is experiencing a new wave of Covid-19, which has been ongoing and affecting many people's lives and plans.
  2. Recent research shows that being vaccinated significantly lowers the risk of developing Long Covid, but it's still a concern for a large number of people.
  3. Even with a lower chance of Long Covid now, frequent Covid waves mean that many people continue to suffer from long-term symptoms and disruption in their daily lives.

Declassified Documents Link U.S. Bioweapons Program to Lyme Disease Outbreak

Who is Robert Malone • 27 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Biosecurity Bioweapons Epidemiology Public Health Government Secrecy
  1. Declassified records and witness accounts show large-scale military arthropod programs and outdoor testing, including releases and tracking of hundreds of thousands of ticks and alleged operational deployments of infected ticks.
  2. Crucial scientific findings about co-infections (the so‑called “Swiss Agent”) were suppressed for decades, which may have hidden contributors to persistent Lyme illness and hampered treatment and research.
  3. Convergent genomic, environmental, operational, and behavioral evidence casts doubt on a purely natural origin of the Lyme epidemic and underscores the need for full declassification, independent investigation, and stronger transparency and oversight.

Is the current Covid wave in England peaking?

Independent SAGE continues • 439 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infection Control
  1. Covid cases in England might be peaking now, as recent hospital admissions have been flat. This wave is bigger than last May's but lower than previous peaks.
  2. The KP.3 variant is currently dominant in England. While it can evade some immunity, it doesn't seem to cause more severe illness.
  3. Improving indoor air quality and monitoring wastewater for viruses could help manage Covid and other infections. The government needs a better plan for future pandemics, including research on Long Covid.

Confronting the Dangers of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care is Imperative

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 359 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics AI risks Regulation Patient rights Health Equity Privacy
  1. AI in health care needs more rules to keep patients safe. Governments must step up to protect people from potential problems with these technologies.
  2. It's important to make AI decisions clear and understandable for patients. Patients should have the right to ask for a human to review any decision that affects their care.
  3. We need to ensure AI doesn't make health care inequality worse. AI programs should reflect diverse patient groups and focus on fairness, not just existing biases.

Medicare Advantage Insurers Hurt You Because Their Profits Depend On It

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 739 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Medicare Patient Care Public Health
  1. Many seniors using Medicare Advantage plans face serious obstacles, like having limited access to doctors. This can lead to long travel times and difficulties in getting proper care.
  2. These plans often require a lot of extra steps to approve treatments, causing frustrating delays for patients in need of immediate attention. It can take weeks or months to get the care they need.
  3. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare can be tricky and risky. Many people may find they can’t get the additional coverage they need after becoming sick, thus leaving them stuck in a difficult situation.

Nightmare on Wall Street for Medicare Advantage Companies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1498 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare Government Finance
  1. Medicare Advantage companies are struggling as Wall Street is disappointed with payment increases from the government. The payment increase for 2025 was lower than what these companies wanted.
  2. Insurers like Humana and UnitedHealth have seen their stock prices drop significantly, losing billions in market value. This fall has been alarming to investors who were used to seeing these companies perform well.
  3. The Medicare Advantage sector may look to influence politics by supporting candidates who favor their interests. Companies are likely to invest heavily in campaigns to get more favorable treatment in the future.

Drug regulators - the revolving door keeps revolving

Maryanne Demasi, reports • 2692 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Industry Influence Pharmaceuticals mRNA technology
  1. A former TGA boss has been appointed to the board of Medicines Australia to advance mRNA technology in Australia.
  2. John Skerritt, previously with TGA, reflects on his achievements in speeding up drug approvals during his time there.
  3. Concerns are raised about the 'revolving door' practice where agency officials end up working for industries they once regulated.

Canadian doctor sudden deaths have reached 150 since COVID-19 vaccines rolled out - our Canadian Medical Association celebrates the occasion with a full page Pfizer ad...

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 4874 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccines Healthcare
  1. 150 Canadian doctors have died suddenly since COVID-19 vaccines were administered.
  2. The Canadian Medical Association promoted Pfizer in the midst of these deaths.
  3. The Mexican drug cartels are seen as having stronger ethics compared to Canada's healthcare leadership.

Celebrating Medicare’s 59th Birthday Amidst Troubling Trends

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Public Health
  1. Medicare has helped millions of seniors access health care since it started 59 years ago. It was created to ensure older people could get medical services without going broke.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans, run by private companies, often cause more problems than they solve. They can lead to higher costs and less access to care for seniors.
  3. Big health insurers are getting extra money from the government through Medicare Advantage, which is hurting the traditional Medicare system. Regulators are now starting to pay attention and could help protect this important program.

Where Things Stand on Abortion

The Audacity. • 4756 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Abortion
  1. The post discusses the current state of abortion in a post Roe v. Wade world.
  2. The post includes insights from Aubrey Hirsch, a writer and illustrator based in New York.
  3. Aubrey Hirsch's work has been featured in various prominent publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

What’s the plan for fall vaccines? If you're confused, you're not alone.

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2119 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Policy Epidemiology Insurance
  1. This year, there is a lot of confusion around fall vaccines because key decisions that usually happen aren't taking place. Experts are worried this could affect how easily people can get vaccinated.
  2. The FDA hasn't made clear recommendations for the Covid-19 vaccine, and this could limit who gets access. Many people might have a harder time getting the vaccine than in previous years.
  3. Although some vaccines are ready, there's still uncertainty about who will be eligible and whether insurers will cover the costs for everyone. Staying informed and advocating for yourself and others is important.

How China's Preparing for the Next Pandemic

ChinaTalk • 385 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic Policy Biosecurity Public Health Global Health Health law Surveillance
  1. China has shifted from emergency reaction to building a centralized, legally codified pandemic readiness system, with new laws that strengthen national surveillance, early reporting, and interagency coordination.
  2. The reforms increase clarity and give central authorities more power. Many rules remain vague and protections for early reporters are weak, so local officials and doctors may still hesitate to raise alarms.
  3. China still lacks robust governance of dual-use biotechnology and lab safety. At the same time it funds and promotes international health projects while limiting data sharing and outside scrutiny.

Disease X: World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting To Release Followup PSYOP-19 "Pandemic"

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 2731 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Global Health Bioweapons Vaccines Conspiracies
  1. The World Economic Forum is planning a follow-up 'pandemic' at their annual meeting.
  2. Disease X was preplanned by the WHO, showing a pattern with previous global health crises.
  3. Access to repurposed drugs like Ivermectin and Fenbendazole is seen as a threat to those behind the 'pandemics.'

CVS CEO to Wall Street: People in Medicare Advantage Are in for a World of Hurt as We Focus on Profits

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 919 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Patient Advocacy
  1. CVS Health is under pressure to boost profits, which may lead to reduced coverage for Medicare Advantage plans. This means people might not get the treatments their doctors recommend.
  2. Expect higher premiums and limited benefits as CVS plans to adjust its Medicare offerings to make more money. Many seniors could find themselves losing access to necessary care.
  3. The changes happening now in Medicare Advantage could disrupt healthcare for many. Once someone is dropped from these plans, it can be tough for them to find affordable alternatives.

What I’m learning from MAHA

Your Local Epidemiologist • 3091 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Health Communication
  1. It's important to work with trusted voices in the community to make health information easier to understand. By collaborating, we can create better resources that respect people's choices.
  2. People want to have control over their health decisions, but they also need guidance. Public health should support individual choice while promoting community health.
  3. Public health is all about protecting people, not making profits like big companies. We need to clarify this to build trust and show how we can help communities thrive.

Health Insurers Increasingly Prevent Care for Children, New Congressional Report Finds

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Practices Legislation Child Health Medical Ethics
  1. Health insurers are making it harder for children to get necessary medical care. This often happens through a process called prior authorization, where doctors need approval from insurers before treating patients.
  2. A recent government report found that private insurers have inconsistent rules about approving basic health screenings and treatments for kids, which is crucial for their long-term health.
  3. The report suggests the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should check if insurers can really ask for prior approval for care that doesn't need it according to regulations. This is important to ensure all children get the preventative care they need.