The hottest Health care Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

REVENUES OVER LIVES: health professionals' role in challenging the "medical-financial complex”

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 359 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care
  1. The healthcare system in America is often driven more by profits than by providing good care to patients. This needs to change for the health of everyone.
  2. There are many ways to improve healthcare, such as making it affordable and accessible for all. Countries like the UK and Canada show that universal healthcare can work.
  3. Young health professionals can be the change-makers. They need to fight for justice in healthcare and challenge the current system that prioritizes money over lives.

16 years ago, my story was told in Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko." I still struggle for the health care I need

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 339 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care
  1. Having health insurance isn't always enough. Many people still face huge costs and hardships despite having coverage.
  2. Medical bills can lead to severe financial strain and even bankruptcy, impacting people's lives deeply.
  3. Advocacy for better healthcare systems is crucial, and personal stories highlight the struggles that many individuals endure with the current system.

Links to Consider, 11/2/24

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  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.

The American Health Care System is on the Brink of Collapse: How the Center for Health & Democracy Will Help Us Fix It

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care
  1. The American healthcare system is failing, with many people struggling to get the care they need while insurance companies make huge profits.
  2. The Center for Health & Democracy aims to expose issues in the insurance industry and work for meaningful reforms to help improve healthcare access and affordability.
  3. Many Americans are dealing with high medical costs and debt, and there is a growing need for significant changes to ensure everyone gets proper healthcare without financial burden.

Welcome to HEALTH CARE un-covered (formerly Wendell Potter NOW)

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care
  1. Many patients are struggling with high medical costs and debt, making it hard for them to get the care they need. Even those with insurance often end up underinsured and facing high out-of-pocket expenses.
  2. Big insurance companies are reporting record profits while many people still lack proper coverage or are pushed into bankruptcy due to healthcare costs. This shows a big gap in the current healthcare system.
  3. There's a push for more transparency in healthcare costs and a call for reforms to create a fairer system. The aim is to educate both the public and lawmakers about the issues and to find better solutions together.
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On the bizarre anger and meanness of our public health betters

Unreported Truths • 69 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Health care
  1. Some public health figures show anger and judgment toward people who disagree with them. They often seem to value their positions more than the people they serve.
  2. There are concerns about how some doctors prioritize their political views over patient care. This can lead to frustrating situations for both parents and children.
  3. Recent events highlight the disconnect between health professionals and the public. Sometimes they express a sense of superiority, making it hard for people to feel supported in their health decisions.

Between Trump Terms, Biden Quietly Killed Public Health

OK Doomer • 146 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

Everything you need to know about the Spending Review

Comment is Freed • 53 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  1. The new budget allows more money for important projects like social housing and green energy, which is a good move.
  2. However, day-to-day spending is mostly staying the same, which means important issues might not get the attention they need.
  3. It's important to think about what each department really needs instead of just labeling them as winners or losers based on budget changes.

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
  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.

Biden is continuing Trump's privatization of Medicare. Here's what you need to know.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 29 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  1. Biden is following Trump's lead by continuing a program that privatizes Medicare. This shift is concerning because it can affect seniors' healthcare options.
  2. Many seniors might be moved into profit-driven Medicare plans without realizing it. This could limit their access to care and services.
  3. Critics argue that allowing private equity and insurance companies into Medicare will make them more focused on profits than on providing quality healthcare to seniors.

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
  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.

Why US Health Insurance Companies are Hated

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care
  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.

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
  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.

Is Being Fat Really a Chronic, Lifelong Health Condition?

Weight and Healthcare • 279 implied HN points • 27 Oct 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Health care
  1. The American Medical Association declared obesity a disease despite recommendations against it, leading to issues with pathologizing body size.
  2. There is a push by weight loss companies to label being fat as a 'chronic, lifelong health condition' to expand their market and profit, which may not be scientifically sound.
  3. Blaming health conditions on fat bodies instead of addressing weight stigma and inequalities can lead to harmful interventions for fat individuals.

What I’m reading in health care this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care
  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.

February 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Interested in health care? This is what I'm reading this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 79 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🏥 Health Politics Health care
  1. Senator Manchin is discussing a new version of the Build Back Better bill, which could cap Medicare drug costs for seniors. This change could help many older Americans save money on their medications.
  2. The Senate is also considering a telehealth 'Bill of Rights' to make mental health services easier to access. It’s important because many people struggle to get the mental health care they need due to insurance barriers.
  3. There's a trend of insurance companies providing care themselves, called 'pay-viders.' This can lead to higher profits for these companies, but it also raises questions about whether it helps patients receive better care.

Despite a profitable 2021, expect higher deductibles and premiums in Aetna's health plans for 2022.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 79 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🏥 Health Politics Health care
  1. Aetna's health plans will have higher deductibles and premiums in 2022, which can make healthcare more expensive for customers. Even though they made money in 2021, people will likely pay more out of pocket.
  2. Even with big profits last year, investors are worried about how CVS/Aetna will perform this year. They became anxious after the company slightly lowered its cash flow expectations, leading to a drop in stock prices.
  3. Enrollment in Aetna's health plans has declined over the years as premiums increased. Many companies are offering less coverage, forcing people to pay more themselves instead, while the company focuses on boosting investor profits.

A Reader Story About Tough Guys

Tessa Fights Robots • 21 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Health care
  1. Some people face really tough challenges, but they find ways to stay strong and even keep living life to the fullest. One man kept jumping off bridges, even after a severe accident.
  2. It's important to stay calm and make jokes even in scary situations. Staying positive can help both patients and caregivers deal with tough health issues.
  3. Sometimes, people endure painful experiences without complaining. This can show a lot about their strong spirit and ability to keep moving forward in life.

When I Said "We're All Going To Die", I Meant "Soon"

I Might Be Wrong • 6 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  1. We're all going to die eventually, and it's important to remember that this is a reality we can't ignore. Instead of getting lost in debates about Medicare, we should focus on the bigger picture of our existence.
  2. People often twist statements to make them seem callous, but the intention is to highlight the urgency of our situation. It's not about being insensitive but rather urging others to recognize what's truly important.
  3. The future feels uncertain and grim, leading to a sense of urgency in how we live our lives. Instead of getting stuck on mundane issues, we should appreciate our time and the company we keep.

Cargo cult liberty

Ajuć’s Substack • 2 HN points • 26 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  1. Cached thoughts can trap societies with outdated beliefs, making it hard for them to adapt to new challenges. This happens when communication breaks down, preventing open discussions about needed changes.
  2. Liberties that once served a purpose can become harmful over time. For example, the Second Amendment and lack of public healthcare might seem like freedoms but can restrict actual freedom for many people.
  3. To improve society, it's important to reevaluate these outdated ideas. Honest public debates could lead to better solutions that truly enhance freedom for everyone.

Notes on a recent trip to Europe

Something interesting • 4 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🏝 Travel Health care
  1. Travel to Europe is exciting, but it's important to check for new visa requirements before your trip. Having a travel app can help manage everything easily.
  2. In Paris and London, you can find magazines almost everywhere, even though they're not as common in the U.S. It’s nice to see that they still have a strong presence.
  3. If you lose your medication while traveling in London, getting a new prescription is fast and straightforward, unlike the complicated process often seen in the U.S.

I Worry That Republicans Might Not Have Enough Brain Cancer This Time

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  1. Republicans might face challenges to cut healthcare spending again, similar to past efforts. They're already discussing cuts to programs like Medicaid.
  2. John McCain's vote against Obamacare repeal showed how politics can be unpredictable, especially when health issues come into play. His situation helped Republicans avoid a tough decision at the time.
  3. With internal pressure for unpopular policies, Republicans may struggle to balance their base's demands with public opinion. They might end up relying on unlikely scenarios to escape tough political choices.

Debate Q&A on 'ObamaCare'

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  1. The term 'Obamacare' was used 11 times in a debate, mainly by certain candidates and the moderator. It shows how often political terms can come up in discussions.
  2. Using 'Obamacare' can be seen as a biased term since it carries a negative connotation for many. It's better for debate moderators to use neutral language to avoid influencing the conversation.
  3. Language really matters in politics. The way we describe laws and policies can affect how people feel about them, so it's important to choose words carefully.

Common sense

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  1. The debate around the ACA focuses on its constitutionality and how it could affect future federal power. People are unsure if Congress can have unlimited power or if there are laws that should remain off-limits.
  2. There are two main views of the Constitution: one says it strictly limits government power, while the other suggests that over time, the government has expanded its powers. Both views seem reasonable to many.
  3. Finding common sense is crucial in legal decisions. If a law feels unreasonable or goes against what people believe is right, it can lead to public distrust in the legal system, no matter what the actual law says.

How do you measure profitability?

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 10
💰 Finance Health care
  1. Dollar profits can sound impressive, but they don't tell the whole story. A big profit number doesn’t mean much if it’s tiny compared to total revenue or investment.
  2. Profit margins provide insight by showing profits as a percentage of revenue. However, comparing margins between different businesses isn't easy due to varying pricing strategies.
  3. Returns on investment, like return on equity, give a clear view of how well a company uses its money. This measure helps to evaluate profitability across different industries.

FIVE POINTS: Groundhog Day in the Senate

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  1. The September 30th deadline is significant for the Graham-Cassidy bill, but it doesn't fully block repeal efforts. The Senate can still try to pass other legislation, but it may complicate future initiatives like tax reform.
  2. Getting the Graham-Cassidy bill approved in the House might be challenging. Many House Republicans are in difficult positions regarding their votes, especially those from states that would lose under this proposal.
  3. Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. and deserves equal support in disasters. It's important for Americans to understand that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and should receive the same aid as those in other states during emergencies.

Summer Break Finally Hits Capitol Hill

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care
  1. Congress is going into a break after some tough political battles. Some GOP members may face less backlash for not passing health care reforms because they didn't take away people's coverage.
  2. There's a big list of things Congress needs to deal with when they return, like the budget and tax reforms. They'll need to negotiate with each other to get things done since they rely on both parties for support.
  3. People were misled about the Senate's agreement to block Trump from making recess appointments. It seemed like a big deal, but routine procedures were likely just used to simplify the process, showing how complicated Senate rules can be.