The hottest Health care Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

Dingus of the week: Joni Ernst

Men Yell at Me • 300 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Elections Legislation Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Senator Joni Ernst made a controversial statement about death at a town hall, saying, 'We are all going to die,' which upset many. People reacted by creating funny merchandise and memes.
  2. Ernst's comments seem to ignore the real-life consequences of policy changes on people's health, such as proposed Medicaid cuts. Many feel these cuts could result in people losing access to essential healthcare.
  3. Despite Ernst's focus on mortality, the discussion raises larger issues about healthcare rights and the disparity in access to medical services in America.

At least five interesting things: Nerdy economics edition (#54)

Noahpinion • 16529 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Taxation Health care Regulation Productivity
  1. The Destination-Based Cash Flow Tax (DBCFT) could help companies invest more and boost U.S. exports. It changes how corporate taxes work, making it easier for companies to grow and innovate.
  2. Construction productivity in the U.S. has been dropping, partly due to strict land-use regulations. These rules lead to smaller, less efficient construction firms, which impacts how quickly and effectively projects are completed.
  3. Not all so-called 'irrational' decisions people make are true mistakes; sometimes, it's just that the choices are too complex. We need to rethink how we view human decision-making in economics.

Universal Primary Care: The Antidote to Health Reform Paralysis?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 24 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Public Policy Insurance Access Costs
  1. Universal primary care is important because everyone needs it, even healthy people. It helps with routine illnesses and preventive care.
  2. Primary care is cost-effective, making up a small part of total healthcare spending but providing great health benefits. Investing in primary care can save money in the long run.
  3. Starting with universal primary care could be a smart first step toward broader healthcare reform. It might gain more political support and lead to better health outcomes for everyone.

The Extremely Gleeful, Extremely Dark Reaction to a CEO’s Killing

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5216 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Violence Public Reaction Leadership Health care
  1. A CEO was shot and killed in New York, capturing the attention of many people online. The video of the assassination showed a planned and cold-blooded act.
  2. Some people reacted to the murder in a troubling way, treating it as if it were a fictional scene from a movie. Critics expressed that they felt the CEO got what he deserved due to the company's actions.
  3. Comments on social media ranged from dark humor to openly supporting violence against executives, showing a disturbing sense of glee about the situation.

Peter Thiel Reveals How Scared Oligarchs Are Of The People

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3799 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Oligarchy Public Opinion Surveillance Health care Social Inequality
  1. Billionaires like Peter Thiel are really worried about how much power the public has. They know that if people get angry, it could lead to serious consequences for them.
  2. The rich often focus on controlling how the public thinks. They use propaganda to distract people and keep their power.
  3. New technology, like robotic security forces, is being developed to protect the powerful from the masses. It's like they're trying to find a way to maintain control before people become fed up with the unfair system.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Her Surgeon Said She Needed The Operation. UnitedHealthcare Said No.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 899 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Issues Medical Ethics Patient Advocacy Policy Reform
  1. A woman named Robin needed a back surgery that her doctor recommended, but her insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, denied the request multiple times without clear explanations.
  2. The increasing number of denied medical procedures has led to significant financial issues for hospitals and has contributed to rising health care costs and bankruptcies.
  3. Robin's situation highlights a broader problem where insurance companies often prioritize profits over patient care, causing emotional and physical distress for those affected.

Coleman Hughes: My Mom—and the Case for Assisted Death

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3246 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Policy Health care Patient rights
  1. The author believes people should have the choice to end their suffering through assisted death. Personal experiences can shape our views on complex topics like this.
  2. Assisted dying laws have been discussed globally, with countries like the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK considering legislation. It's important to explore these issues from different perspectives.
  3. The story of the author's mother shows that even the healthiest people can face serious illnesses like cancer. This highlights the unpredictability of life and health.

Technology and Grieving

Margins by Ranjan Roy and Can Duruk • 5203 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Grief Health care Child Health Neurology Mental health
  1. Technology can help us understand and communicate health issues better. Tools like generative AI can make complex medical information easier to grasp for everyone.
  2. Grieving is a personal journey that everyone experiences differently. It's important to remember that your feelings of loss and sorrow are valid, and sharing your story can help others feel less alone.
  3. Creating memories with loved ones is crucial. Spending time with family, sharing experiences, and cherishing little moments can make a lasting impact, even after they've gone.

February 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Public Policy Health care
  1. The current stability in America has allowed extreme views to grow. Some people don't realize how bad life could be without the freedoms and health protections we have.
  2. Cuts to government jobs under the Trump administration are affecting many, including veterans. These cuts contradict the claims that the government is wasting money.
  3. Recent actions in politics show that some lawmakers are not recognizing the dangers of authoritarianism. This could lead to serious issues if people aren't aware of the past mistakes made regarding freedom and democracy.

New Netflix Horror Flick “The Deliverance” Tackles Medicaid Troubles, Medical Debt

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicaid Medical Debt Health care Insurance Patient rights
  1. The movie 'The Deliverance' highlights the struggles of a family facing both a demonic presence and real-life issues with the U.S. healthcare system. It shows how complicated and scary healthcare can feel for many families.
  2. Many healthcare providers are dropping Medicaid patients, making it harder for those in need to find care. The film illustrates the true horror of loved ones having to pay medical bills out-of-pocket when Medicaid support is unavailable.
  3. Medical debt is a serious problem in the U.S., affecting countless families. The film ends with the family battling real financial burdens, reminding viewers that there's no easy fix for medical bills.

Read My Story About A Major Detransition Lawsuit In The Economist

Singal-Minded • 1110 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Medical Ethics Legal Cases Health care
  1. A significant lawsuit has been filed against a youth gender clinic in the U.S. that raises questions about their medical practices.
  2. The lawsuit involves a former patient who received hormone treatments and surgery at a young age, claiming insufficient care before these procedures.
  3. The case highlights the debate around medical gatekeeping in youth gender medicine, with contrasting views on the need for psychological assessments.

Why I Hope the Supreme Court Upholds the Ban on Child Transition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1275 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Gender Issues Health care Child welfare Social Policy
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing a case about a law banning transgender treatments for minors, which has raised questions about children's rights and safety. People are concerned about whether it's right to allow medical treatments that might harm young kids.
  2. Jamie Reed, a whistleblower from a gender clinic, highlights problems in the medical field's approach to treating gender distress in children. She believes that the rush to affirm every child's feelings without deeper understanding can lead to severe consequences.
  3. There is a call for more careful consideration and questioning within the medical community regarding treatments for gender dysphoria. Reed suggests that a balance is needed to ensure children receive appropriate care without compromising their well-being.

... No, We Definitely Want to Use Medical Arguments to Defend Trans Children

Freddie deBoer • 11912 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Transgender rights Medical care Advocacy Health care Medical Ethics
  1. Medical arguments are crucial for defending trans children to ensure access to necessary healthcare.
  2. Advocating for trans rights should focus on practical strategies that work in the real world, not just theoretical ideals.
  3. Challenging societal norms and privacy laws for medical decisions of trans children may have adverse political consequences.

In life, Bill Pascrell Fiercely Bucked Health Insurance Giants During the ACA Debate. Today's Advocates Should See Him as Inspiration.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Legislation Advocacy Public Health
  1. Bill Pascrell was a strong fighter for healthcare reform, especially during the Affordable Care Act debates. He believed everyone deserves access to healthcare.
  2. He worked tirelessly for first responders and survivors after 9/11, making sure they got the medical support they needed. His efforts led to important legislation for their care.
  3. Pascrell's legacy shows us the importance of standing up against powerful interests in healthcare. His commitment inspires others to continue fighting for a fair healthcare system.

Addressing Medical Debt Is Important. Addressing Its Root Causes Is Just As Essential.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Debt Health care Policy Reform Political Advocacy Insurance Issues
  1. Medical debt is a serious issue affecting millions of Americans, even those with health insurance. It's important to address the immediate effects of this debt but also look at what causes it.
  2. Many families face the risk of losing their homes and filing for bankruptcy because of medical debt. This situation can have a lasting impact on future generations.
  3. There are calls for reforms, like capping out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses. It's crucial for leaders to support these changes to help reduce the burden of medical debt.

South Park Tackles Prior Authorization. It Would be Funny if It Wasn't so Damn Deadly.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 699 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Patient rights Policy Reform
  1. South Park humorously shows how hard it is to get health insurance to pay for needed treatments. This reflects the frustrating challenges many people face with their own health insurance.
  2. Prior authorization is a process where insurance companies require approval before covering treatments or medications. This can delay care and even lead people to give up on getting the help they need.
  3. Many doctors and healthcare workers are overwhelmed by the amount of time spent dealing with insurance approvals. This adds costs to the healthcare system and can negatively impact patient outcomes.

The Luigi documentary has an IG tip line

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2806 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Crime Influencer Culture Documentaries
  1. A new documentary about Luigi Mangione is being made, focusing on serious issues like healthcare and violence in America. The filmmaker wants to talk to people connected to the case to get different perspectives.
  2. MrBeast, a popular YouTuber, is struggling to stay relevant after a series of controversies, leading him to collaborate with various lesser-known creators. This shows how even big influencers can feel pressure to adapt and regain their audience.
  3. Pew Research found that nearly half of American teens are online all the time, mainly using platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Facebook and Twitter are losing popularity among this age group, indicating a shift in social media preferences.

How to Report Post-Dobbs Deaths

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 6014 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Abortion rights Health care Reporting Anti-Abortion Movement Maternal health
  1. Abortion bans have resulted in deaths since Roe was overturned, but they are often not reported accurately.
  2. It is crucial to clearly state the impact of abortion bans on women's lives without allowing for misinformation or equivocation.
  3. The broader systems failure, combined with abortion bans, leads to dangerous outcomes, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate reporting and advocacy.

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.

The Real Cause of Health Care Dysfunction

In My Tribe • 1002 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Public Health Health Policy Medicare Insurance
  1. A big reason we spend so much on healthcare is that we often get expensive tests and procedures that don't help us much.
  2. Simply making more people eligible for Medicare won't fix the problem of overspending in healthcare.
  3. Many people like to think that healthcare costs are high because of greedy doctors or insurance companies, but that's not the main reason.

Famed Florida Retirement Community, The Villages, is Being Fed Medicare Advantage Propaganda

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Health care Policy
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are getting a lot of positive coverage, but they can have significant downsides that aren't being reported. Many seniors might not understand the risks involved with these plans.
  2. Recent changes in funding might lead to reduced benefits for seniors using Medicare Advantage. This could mean higher costs or lower quality care as insurers respond to cuts.
  3. Some experts believe Medicare Advantage plans are overstated and actually cost the Medicare system more. Seniors are encouraged to consider traditional Medicare options with supplemental plans for better coverage.

HEALTH CARE un-covered's New Beat: Disintermediation

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 839 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Policy Reform Consumer Advocacy
  1. Disintermediation is happening in healthcare, meaning companies are finding ways to cut out big insurance middlemen. This change could reduce costs and improve care for many people.
  2. More employers are realizing they can avoid high premiums and complicated contracts by exploring alternatives to traditional insurance. This shift is slowly gaining attention but is crucial for workers and their health benefits.
  3. Greed often drives healthcare costs up, but there are others working hard to find better solutions. The focus is now on supporting those who are challenging the status quo to make healthcare more affordable.

Here are the Five Areas the New DOJ Task Force on Monopolies in Health Care Should Focus On

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Antitrust Insurance Policy Regulation
  1. Insurers buying doctor practices is a big problem. When insurance companies own the doctors, it creates a conflict of interest and can limit patient choices.
  2. The connection between insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is concerning. This merger can hurt small pharmacies and affect how patients access medications.
  3. Prior authorization is making it harder for patients to get necessary care. Insurance companies use this process to delay or deny treatments, which can lead to serious health risks.

New York Presbyterian's Anti-Competitive Maneuver Cost the 32BJ Health Fund $25 Million

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 299 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Legislation Market Competition Policy Reform Consumer Protection
  1. The conflict between the 32BJ Health Fund and New York Presbyterian shows how strong hospitals can pressure unions for money. This kind of influence can hurt efforts to keep healthcare affordable.
  2. There are specific unfair contract practices, like forcing insurers to include all services or keeping prices secret, that are hurting competition in healthcare. These practices usually benefit powerful hospital systems at the expense of smaller payers.
  3. Legislators need to work harder to protect consumers and unions from these unfair practices. Recent attempts to create stronger laws against such actions were weakened by hospital lobbyists.

Between Trump Terms, Biden Quietly Killed Public Health

OK Doomer • 146 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Policy Issues Government Action Pandemic response Health care
  1. The end of the mask mandate on planes showed how quickly people were ready to celebrate personal freedoms, even if it worried others. Many people seemed to ignore the health risks involved.
  2. After a period of silence on health issues, some writers are now blaming past leaders for future health crises. This shift indicates a potential return of public focus on health threats.
  3. There’s a growing concern about how health policies are being handled between different administrations. The decisions made can have long-lasting effects on public health and safety.

Links to Consider, 11/27/2024

In My Tribe • 592 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Health care Civil Rights Political theory Social Issues
  1. Education systems were designed mainly to instill obedience and maintain social order, rather than to promote skills.
  2. Some cancer screening guidelines avoid discussing life expectancy, potentially putting patients at risk due to a lack of difficult conversations about their health.
  3. David Brooks argues that elite college admissions based on cognitive ability have created a new class society, but fails to recognize the moral arrogance and biases in the current system.

The Enemy is Us on Health Policy

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Policy Analysis Public Health Consumer behavior Health economics
  1. Many Americans see health care as a gift, not a product, which makes it hard to talk about costs. Doctors want to be paid, but they don't want to think of themselves as selling their services.
  2. There are certain cultural attitudes that shape the way our health care system works today. These attitudes include the reluctance to view health care as a commodity.
  3. People often ignore other ways resources can be used when it comes to health care. This can create issues in how we manage and think about health care policies.

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

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

Leaked docs reveal extensive noncompete agreements at Epic Systems

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Health care Regulatory Policy Market Competition
  1. Epic Systems uses strict noncompete agreements that limit former employees from working with many companies, affecting their job prospects.
  2. These agreements can also hurt companies trying to hire Epic alumni, as they may face increased costs or lose software access.
  3. The Federal Trade Commission is looking to ban noncompete clauses, which could improve job opportunities and wages for millions of workers.

UnitedHealth’s self-dealing is accelerating

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

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.

President Biden proposes $2,000-a-year limit on prescription drugs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Legislation Insurance Public Policy Government Action
  1. President Biden wants a yearly cap of $2,000 on prescription drug costs for everyone, not just seniors. This could help many people afford their necessary medications.
  2. This proposal builds on a previous law that already caps costs for Medicare recipients, showing a commitment to reducing healthcare expenses for all.
  3. The success of this plan relies on public support and overcoming resistance from insurance companies, who may argue it could lead to higher costs elsewhere.

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.

Does RFK Jr have a guiding philosophy or is he just spitballing?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 112 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Regulation Philosophy Public Health Medical Ethics
  1. RFK Jr. has a distinct philosophy focused on skepticism towards corporations and promoting body autonomy. He is against vaccine mandates and supports personal choice in health decisions.
  2. Vivek Ramaswamy believes in reducing FDA regulations to make it easier for drug companies to operate, but he emphasizes the need for safety studies without enforcing unrealistic efficacy requirements.
  3. The current FDA leaders, like Scott Gottlieb and Bob Califf, prioritize corporate interests and maintain high drug prices. Many feel they don't push for the best evidence and often end up working for pharmaceutical companies after leaving government.

What a Second Trump Term Might Mean for Disability Policy

Can We Still Govern? • 105 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Education Housing Social Policy
  1. Project 2025 suggests changes that could make it harder for people with disabilities to get education and support. This may mean less help from federal programs that many rely on.
  2. The housing situation for disabled individuals could get worse. The plan wants to remove protections against housing discrimination without offering new solutions.
  3. Health care coverage for disabled people is at risk. Proposed changes could make it easier for insurance companies to deny coverage and make Medicaid harder to access.

Reports and lawsuits allege UnitedHealth uses AI algorithms to cut off care for the elderly and disabled

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 699 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Medicare Regulation Legal issues
  1. UnitedHealth is accused of using AI to deny necessary care for elderly and disabled patients. Some families have filed lawsuits claiming that these algorithms lead to severe treatment cut-offs.
  2. Employees at UnitedHealth face pressure to deny care based on algorithmic targets, which can lead to risky patient outcomes. Many fear losing their jobs if they do not comply.
  3. There is concern about the partnership between UnitedHealth and AARP, especially during Medicare open enrollment. Ads promoting these plans often do not mention the potential dangers of enrolling in private Medicare plans.

Continuous Fights

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Abortion Taxes Health care Spending Trump
  1. Education funding doesn't always result in better student performance; embrace school choice for improved outcomes.
  2. Republicans should address the abortion issue firmly, defund the abortion industry, and focus on education and conversation.
  3. Changing the tax code to consumption-based taxation could provide economic incentives for growth and burden levied based on richer individuals.

Links to Consider, 11/2/24

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Economics Health care Digital detox Policy
  1. Journalism can become too self-important, especially around political campaigns. This can make journalists feel like they are part of the story instead of just reporting it.
  2. In healthcare, knowing what you actually pay can help people make better choices. A transparent system can encourage people to think about costs and trade-offs.
  3. Economists notice many problems in policies that the average person may overlook. They also understand how economic rules can impact the working poor significantly.

Ady Barkan, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Be A Hero, dies at 39.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Activism Policy Reform Disability Rights Human Rights
  1. Ady Barkan was a passionate advocate for healthcare reform who passed away at the young age of 39 due to ALS. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to essential health care.
  2. He co-founded 'Be A Hero' to help protect the Affordable Care Act and promote universal healthcare. Even while battling illness, he inspired many to join the cause for better healthcare rights.
  3. Ady's love for his family and friends was a driving force in his activism. He believed that everyone should have the care they need to spend more time with their loved ones.