The hottest Health Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

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

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

RFK Jr. Says Drug Addicts Need Tough Love. Is He Right?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 769 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes in a tough love approach to help drug addicts, which means putting pressure on them to quit using drugs. He feels this method can be more effective than just accepting their addiction.
  2. Kennedy wants the government to take a strong stance against drug use, suggesting that those who refuse help might face jail time. This idea aims to push addicts towards getting the help they need.
  3. His philosophy contrasts with harm reduction strategies that focus on minimizing the risks of drug use instead of forcing users to quit. This suggests a significant divide in how society views addiction treatment.

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

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

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

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

The Dose: This week's public health explained (Oct 11)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 959 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. Free Covid-19 tests are now available for all. You can order them online and they will be delivered to your home.
  2. Obesity rates in the U.S. are showing some decline after many years of increase, but the drop could be uncertain and isn't significant yet.
  3. Routine vaccinations for kids are dropping, which is concerning. More children are unvaccinated against diseases like measles, and this trend needs to be addressed to prevent outbreaks.
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Never Forget What They Told Us About COVID Vaccines

Unmasked • 48 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. A recent memo says researchers found a link between COVID vaccines and the deaths of at least ten children and alleges earlier officials either hid or didn’t look for that link.
  2. Early experts and officials strongly claimed vaccines would stop transmission or even eliminate the virus, but those promises didn’t hold up and the public messaging shifted over time.
  3. Given these changing claims and possible concealment, people should do their own due diligence, ask questions, and demand transparency when making vaccine decisions.

Scripps Institute’s Kristian Andersen Cannot Tell the Truth, But You Already Knew That

The DisInformation Chronicle • 690 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Kristian Andersen, a researcher at the Scripps Institute, has been accused of lying in his statements to Congress about COVID-19 origins. His past actions have raised questions about his credibility.
  2. Emails show that Andersen initially thought the COVID-19 virus might be genetically engineered, but changed his stance after discussions with influential figures like Tony Fauci. This shift has led to scrutiny over his motivations.
  3. The recent House Select Committee report suggests possible attempts to cover up the true origins of the virus. Andersen is accused of misleading the public and Congress, which could potentially lead to legal consequences.

Do red and processed meats cause cancer?

Unsettled Science • 840 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. The World Health Organization says processed meats cause cancer, but only one type of cancer has been linked directly to them, which is colorectal cancer.
  2. The IARC's decision was based on a small number of studies, which raises questions about how strong the evidence really is.
  3. Many people reacted strongly to the news, fearing that all red meats are dangerous, but the evidence used may not support that broad conclusion.

Nudge and Behavioral Governance- Systematic Government Thought Modification

Who is Robert Malone • 17 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Governments and agencies now use “nudge” techniques—behavioral science, defaults, emotional framing, and algorithms—to steer people’s choices without overt coercion. This approach can undermine individual autonomy and informed consent.
  2. In the U.S., behavioral science was formalized across federal agencies through an executive order, creating permanent teams and tools. Those systems were scaled up during emergencies like COVID to shape public behavior.
  3. Governments worked with Big Tech, contractors, ad firms, and academic centers to gather behavioral data, micro-target messages, and adjust platforms in real time. This formed feedback loops and algorithmic controls that engineered public consent while reducing transparent democratic debate.

The Killing of Brian Thompson

The Chris Hedges Report • 719 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was recently killed, sparking questions about possible motives related to healthcare policies and insurance denials.
  2. In the U.S., healthcare spending is highest among wealthy countries, but health outcomes are among the worst, with many people facing financial ruin due to medical bills.
  3. The business practices of health insurance companies are criticized for prioritizing profits over patient care, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and death.

How the Nuka System of Care has improved the quality of medical care (and lives) of Alaska Natives

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Health Policy
  1. The Nuka System of Care in Alaska has dramatically improved healthcare by focusing on community-based support and engaging Alaska Natives directly in their health journeys. This system results in happier patients and better health outcomes.
  2. Since the Nuka System started, emergency room visits and hospital admissions have dropped significantly. It also emphasizes personal relationships and understanding each patient's unique needs, leading to high satisfaction rates.
  3. The approach integrates modern medical practices with the values of Alaska Native culture. This has made it a model for healthcare systems worldwide, with many organizations studying its success to learn how to improve their own care.

Fresh Air, and The Littlest Convoy

Natural Selections • 10 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. The pandemic bred intense social policing and fear of public shaming, leaving people anxious about masks, distancing, and even having their photos shared.
  2. Pandemic rules and vaccine policies had deep personal consequences for families. Some describe being prevented from traveling to dying relatives and question whether shots played a role in sudden illness.
  3. Finding like-minded people and being outdoors offered relief and a sense of belonging after long isolation. Many still want calm, honest discussion and hope future generations learn to spot warning signs and think independently.

As Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) expands into a rich suburb, a small community hospital faces closure

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is growing and investing in new facilities, but this has left smaller community hospitals struggling to survive. This expansion is happening in wealthy suburbs while local hospitals face closure.
  2. Many small rural hospitals in the U.S. are in financial trouble because they don't get paid enough for the care they provide. This leads to closures, making it hard for people in those areas to get medical help.
  3. There are concerns about how nonprofit hospitals are defined and whether they are truly serving their communities. A group of senators is pushing for clearer rules to ensure these hospitals meet their obligations to provide care to those in need.

Cycling New Zealand restores single-sex competition; and new report says NZ hospital wards should be “single-gender” (whatever that means).

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Cycling New Zealand has decided to restore single-sex competitions. This change is aimed at ensuring fair competition for female cyclists against biological males who transition after puberty.
  2. A new report suggests that hospital wards in New Zealand should be single-gender. The authors argue that sharing rooms between men and women could compromise patient safety and dignity.
  3. There is a growing debate around gender identity and its impact on sports and healthcare. Some believe it's important to recognize biological differences, while others advocate for more inclusive language and policies.

2025: The Year The Narrative Changed

The Corbett Report • 31 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Health Policy
  1. A health awakening swept 2025: major food companies moved to remove synthetic additives, authorities opened reviews of vaccine safety, and the WHO’s credibility and funding declined.
  2. The climate-emergency narrative lost momentum as big banks abandoned Net Zero commitments, prominent voices softened their rhetoric, and COP30 failed to produce meaningful agreements.
  3. Once-taboo topics like questioning the official 9/11 story and criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza entered mainstream conversation, empowering more people to challenge official narratives and reclaim public discourse.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 27

Force of Infection • 515 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. Flu cases are on the rise again, especially in children, after weeks of decline. It's surprising to see this rebound during the season.
  2. COVID-19 wastewater levels are decreasing, but it's too soon to know if we’ll avoid a larger wave this winter.
  3. Activity for RSV is declining across the country, but caution is still advised, particularly for babies and older adults.

Finally, Big Insurance's Pharmacy Benefit Managers are being probed by Congress

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. Congress is looking into how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) operate. They want to make sure these companies are not overcharging people for their medications.
  2. PBMs and insurance companies are causing more financial strain on patients by raising out-of-pocket costs. Many people are struggling to afford their medications because deductibles have doubled over the past decade.
  3. There are new bills being proposed to increase transparency and reform PBM practices. This could help ensure that savings from drug manufacturers are passed on to patients.

Donald Trump, the Smokers’ President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Some people see nicotine as a popular choice and want to defend it against government rules. This has made smoking a topic that some conservatives rally around.
  2. A new cigar company recently launched and did really well, showing that there is still interest in nicotine products, despite overall sales being down.
  3. Media figures like Tucker Carlson argue that nicotine can actually improve life, pushing back against efforts to regulate its use.

A father’s heist for hope against medical bills ends in prison—and tragedy

Pekingnology • 199 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. A father went to prison for stealing to pay for his son's cancer treatment. Sadly, he missed saying goodbye to his son because of his sentence.
  2. After his release, the father struggled to find work and cope with the loss of his son. He felt lost and overwhelmed by his grief.
  3. The father's story highlights how desperation can lead people to take drastic actions. Many people felt sympathy for him and questioned the justice system.

Sanders' Senate committee report puts nonprofit hospitals on notice while bi-partisan appetite for reforms intensifies.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Nonprofit hospitals are under scrutiny for not doing enough to help low-income patients afford care. Many have been accused of taking advantage of their tax-exempt status.
  2. A recent Senate report highlighted stories like that of Carrie Barrett, who faced huge medical bills from a nonprofit hospital despite her low income. This shows how unfair practices can lead to unbearable debt for patients.
  3. There's a growing push from Congress to make sure nonprofit hospitals meet their obligations to provide charity care. Lawmakers want to ensure these hospitals aren't just focused on profits.

How Medicaid Work Requirements Betray Work and Waste Money

Can We Still Govern? • 172 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP can create a lot of unnecessary rules that actually hurt people trying to find work. Instead of helping them, these rules can cut off health insurance and make things worse.
  2. Most people on Medicaid are working or in school, so the idea that they're not doing anything is not true. The new work requirements will lead to many losing coverage, which could be life-threatening.
  3. The way this law is set up seems to help government contractors more than it helps those in need. It's expensive to manage, and it could actually cost low-income people thousands of dollars each year.

Did Draconian Lockdowns Kill More People Than Covid?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 32 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. The harsh, society-wide lockdowns did a lot of harm — they deepened poverty, delayed or blocked medical care, worsened mental and physical health, and likely caused many non-COVID deaths, with some open-society places showing lower excess mortality.
  2. Big claims about how many lives were saved by lockdowns or vaccines are often based on weak models, hidden data, or unrealistic assumptions, so those headline numbers should be treated as highly uncertain.
  3. You can’t cleanly separate virus deaths from deaths caused by pandemic policies, and global excess-death estimates run into the tens of millions, which argues for a new pandemic playbook and tighter oversight of risky research.

How Trump’s Big Bad Bill Will Kill Americans

Can We Still Govern? • 139 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Americans have a lower life expectancy compared to other wealthy countries, largely due to health policy and social inequalities. This means many people suffer from poor health and die younger than they should.
  2. The Big Bad Bill will cut essential health coverage for millions of Americans, leading to increased deaths and worsening health for those most in need. It will mainly impact low-income individuals and rural communities who rely on Medicaid and food assistance.
  3. Emergency services and community health care will be strained as funding is reduced. This will make it harder for people to access care, leading to worse health outcomes for everyone.

Big Pharma Millions Behind Attacks On Trump’s FDA Nominee

Public • 419 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Dr. Marty Makary has been nominated by Trump to be the commissioner of the FDA. He has some controversial views that have stirred up discussions among experts.
  2. There are claims that attacks on Makary's nomination are backed by the pharmaceutical industry. This situation raises questions about conflicting interests in health policy.
  3. Makary defends other controversial figures, suggesting they have evolved in their views. However, this has led to further criticism from leading health experts.

Ralph Baric, the world's top coronavirus researcher, discussed "human adaptation" of coronaviruses with the CIA before Covid began

Unreported Truths • 42 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Dr. Ralph Baric has significant connections with U.S. intelligence agencies, discussing coronavirus research with them before the outbreak of Covid-19.
  2. Baric's partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology raises questions about the lab's safety and the origins of the virus.
  3. Despite being central to controversial research, Baric has largely avoided public scrutiny or accountability regarding his work and its implications.

Cold water on Coldwater Creek

Gordian Knot News • 117 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Coldwater Creek was contaminated by uranium waste, leading to concerns about cancer rates among nearby residents. However, past studies didn't find a significant increase in cancer rates compared to other areas.
  2. The CDC studied exposure risks from different radioactive materials and suggested that the main concern was radium, which can cause bone cancer. They found that the potential risks were lower than initially feared.
  3. Harvard's recent study claimed to link cancer rates with the creek's contamination but confused types of radiation-related cancers. Their findings were criticized for not accurately reflecting the real risks of the contaminants.

Ministry of Health NZ discards the word 'women' in favour of inclusive language, but men are still ‘men’.

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. New Zealand's Ministry of Health is using terms like 'pregnant people' instead of 'women', which some people find confusing. Despite this change, they still refer to men as 'men'.
  2. The Plain Language Act was created for clear communication, but many feel that using terms like 'pregnant people' does not meet this goal. People want clear language that everyone can understand.
  3. There are concerns that some people in government, especially those focused on academic language, may not understand everyday people's needs. This leads to communication that doesn’t always make sense to the general public.

Jabs for the rich, moralising for the poor

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. We need to talk about fairness in healthcare, especially when it comes to rich people getting better access to treatments than poorer people. It feels unfair when the rules seem to change based on your income.
  2. The government's new app may seem simple, but it's a big step in changing how the British state works. This could mean more digital services in the future.
  3. There's a problem with how we build and supply housing in cities. Finding ways to fix these bottlenecks is important for making sure everyone has a place to live.

No evidence that the US childhood vaccine schedule saves lives

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. There is a claim that no credible study shows the US childhood vaccine schedule, or any vaccine schedule worldwide, provides an overall net mortality or morbidity benefit.
  2. Real-world examples are cited saying unvaccinated children in some pediatric practices and communities like the Amish appear healthier and have lower rates of conditions such as autism.
  3. The argument insists vaccine mandates and mainstream messaging rest on belief rather than solid evidence, and that media and health authorities are ignoring or suppressing this lack of proof.

Fauci is pardoned

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 311 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Biden's last pardons included Anthony Fauci, which raises questions about his past actions related to pandemic research.
  2. Fauci might face consequences for his alleged past actions, especially if questioned again about funding controversial research.
  3. His handling of the pandemic was criticized, as he oversimplified responses and made many incorrect recommendations that impacted public health and schools.

RFK jr is confirmed!

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 273 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. We need a better system to watch vaccine safety. The current ones are not good enough to catch all problems.
  2. The US should ban harmful dyes and pesticides that are already banned in other countries like the EU and Australia.
  3. People working at the FDA should not also work for big drug companies for a set time to avoid conflicts of interest.

Marty Makary: Is the First Good Pick for FDA commissioner in a long time

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 380 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy
  1. Marty Makary is seen as a strong candidate for FDA commissioner with a history of standing up against corporate interests in healthcare. He's known for questioning common government policies during COVID, advocating for decisions based on evidence.
  2. Media coverage tends to portray Marty negatively, often ignoring his valid criticisms of lockdowns and vaccine mandates. His positions centered on protecting the vulnerable and ensuring informed consent are highlighted.
  3. Marty has a reputation for being open-minded and thoughtful in his approach to medicine. He aims to improve healthcare systems and make them more accessible, which is appreciated by some of his colleagues.

Three Years In

Force of Infection • 107 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. The newsletter has evolved to focus more on everyday health issues rather than just major outbreaks. This change came from reader feedback about what they find most helpful.
  2. Over the past three years, the newsletter has gained a large audience, reaching over 42,000 readers in many countries. This shows that people value the information provided.
  3. Looking ahead, there is a desire for ongoing input from readers to improve the newsletter. The goal remains to offer clear, trustworthy health information that helps readers make better choices.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 10

Force of Infection • 269 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. The flu season is at a record high, with about 1 in 13 doctor visits now related to flu symptoms. This is the worst flu outbreak we have seen in over ten years.
  2. Young children are most affected by the flu, but older adults are at a greater risk for severe illness. It's important for everyone to take precautions to stay healthy.
  3. To prevent the flu, people should wear masks in crowded places, improve ventilation indoors, wash hands often, and get vaccinated. If infected, antivirals can help reduce illness duration.

Checking in on the summer covid season

Force of Infection • 104 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. Influenza-like illnesses are currently very low across the country, with almost no hospitalizations. This means fewer people are visiting doctors for flu symptoms right now.
  2. COVID-19 activity is also low, but some states are seeing slight increases in cases and hospitalizations. Hawaii and Florida are the areas to watch as their numbers have been rising.
  3. Norovirus has been active this year, with a new strain causing concern. It's important to stay informed about food recalls and safety alerts, especially regarding unpasteurized milk products.

Economics Links, 2/15/2025

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💰 Finance Health Policy
  1. The European Union may have created a big, slow government that doesn't serve its people well. Some believe smaller countries manage their affairs better.
  2. Importing goods doesn't always harm jobs; a trade deficit can actually mean a strong economy. More spending and demand can lead to more jobs, not fewer.
  3. Becoming successful on platforms like Substack is tough. It often takes a large existing following or writing about popular subjects to grow your audience.

My email asking Mark Del Monte, CEO of AAP, for a credible scientific study justifying the CDC childhood vaccine schedule

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. No peer-reviewed study has been identified that evaluates the full childhood vaccine schedule with individual-level data and shows a statistically significant net benefit for overall health or all-cause mortality.
  2. Requests for such evidence from major pediatric organizations and advisory committees may go unanswered, and there is skepticism they could produce a study meeting the stated criteria.
  3. Some non-vaccinating practices report lower rates of chronic childhood conditions, and there are claims that researchers who study vaccinated versus unvaccinated groups have been blocked from publishing, raising concerns about suppression of relevant research.

It's Already Worse Than We Thought

OK Doomer • 250 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. The CDC recently shared worrying info about bird flu that was quickly retracted. This shows how serious the situation is around certain viruses.
  2. Viruses can mutate to become more dangerous over time, not just milder. Sometimes they start off seeming harmless, then turn deadly.
  3. Recent events are confirming fears that many have been labeled as 'doom and gloom' for mentioning. This serves as a reminder to take these warnings seriously.

An Open Proposal to the CEO of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. A plan to fund multiple independent research teams to analyze the same public government vaccine data, aiming to answer vaccine safety questions transparently.
  2. The effort would use jointly designed study specs, pre-registered protocols, and require public release of data, code, and methods, with publication of results regardless of outcome.
  3. The purpose is to reduce polarization and increase public trust by letting objective, independently verified analyses speak for themselves and involving organizations with different perspectives.

Stanford led study: at least 20,000 global deaths from COVID jabs

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy
  1. COVID-19 vaccination likely prevented many deaths worldwide (central estimate ~2.5 million), but that figure is model-based and very sensitive to key assumptions.
  2. Estimates put vaccine-associated deaths on the order of tens of thousands globally (roughly ~20,000; range ~16,000–48,000), so harms are probably much smaller than benefits overall but remain highly uncertain.
  3. The mortality benefit was overwhelmingly concentrated in people aged 60 and older, with children and young adults receiving minimal benefit, suggesting vaccination strategies should account for age-specific risks and benefits.