The hottest Healthcare access Substack posts right now

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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Fighting for the voiceless: The Death of Franca Panettone

COVID Reason • 594 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Franca Panettone, who had Down Syndrome, faced a tragic situation in a hospital where she was separated from her family and had no way to advocate for herself. This led to her feeling helpless and restrained during her care.
  2. Franca's family experienced a lack of communication from the hospital about her condition and treatment. They were not informed about her critical health changes or allowed to visit her, which added to their grief and confusion.
  3. This story highlights the need for better advocacy and communication in healthcare, especially for vulnerable individuals. It raises important questions about patient rights and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Therapy Patients Stop Treatment After ‘Pre-Payment Reviews’ Swell

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Many therapy patients are stopping their treatment because insurance company UnitedHealthcare is asking for a lot of extra paperwork before paying for services. This makes it hard for patients to get reimbursed and leads to anxiety about continuing their care.
  2. Therapists are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of time and effort needed to process these pre-payment reviews. Some have had to cut back on their schedules to handle the paperwork, which affects both their work and their patients' treatment.
  3. The situation highlights larger issues in mental health care access and billing, particularly for out-of-network providers. It raises concerns about patient privacy and adds unnecessary stress for both patients and therapists.

Important Reads: New Reporting Details Ghost Networks and Fighting Denials

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Many health insurance companies have 'ghost networks,' meaning they list providers that either don't exist or aren't seeing patients. This causes major problems for people needing help.
  2. Health insurers may not fix these ghost networks because it keeps their costs down. Fewer patients finding care means fewer claims they have to pay.
  3. If you're denied care by your health insurer, don't just accept it. It's important to push back and appeal their decisions to get the help you need.

Determined to Die

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1451 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Canada’s assisted‑suicide program lets people request MAID even if they aren’t terminally ill, as long as they say their suffering is intolerable and can’t be relieved in a way they find acceptable.
  2. People with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental‑health issues, and difficult social situations have been approved for MAID, and those decisions often cause deep pain and conflict within families.
  3. Because eligibility rests on subjective judgments about intolerable suffering, the program blurs the line between medical conditions and everyday social hardship, and many Canadians end up choosing assisted death each year.

Measles is off to an ugly start, EPA removes lives lost, ICE and hospitals, and lots of good news

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1639 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Measles is surging unusually early, with large outbreaks in low-vaccination pockets causing many cases, quarantines, and spread to other states. If you’re fully vaccinated you’re very well protected, and parents of babies under 12 months should talk to their pediatrician about early vaccination.
  2. The EPA will stop counting the dollar value of lives saved in cost-benefit analyses for major air pollutants, a change that makes pollution rules look more costly and makes it easier to weaken protections. This will likely harm communities near highways and industrial sites, especially low-income and marginalized groups.
  3. Increased ICE enforcement is creating fear that keeps people from seeking medical care, which can worsen health for families and communities. Schools and clinical teams can play key roles in supporting affected families and connecting them to local resources.
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A unilateral change to childhood vaccines: What it means for you

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1755 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. The federal government abruptly changed the routine childhood vaccine schedule to recommend protection against 11 instead of 17 diseases and moved many vaccines to a shared clinical decision-making approach without the usual advisory process.
  2. Because the U.S. health system is fragmented and uneven, that shift is likely to reduce vaccination rates and lead to more preventable infections — examples include risks for hepatitis B and flu when universal protections are removed.
  3. The American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends the previous schedule, vaccines are currently covered by major public and private insurers, and families should talk to their pediatrician and advocate with state officials to keep strong vaccine protections.

A brutal flu season, new dietary guidelines, and why cancer screenings are at risk

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1287 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. We’re in a very bad flu season with influenza-like illness at its highest levels since the late 1990s, driven by an H3N2 subclade that partly evades this year’s shot. Getting a flu vaccine now, using antivirals early if sick, masking in crowded indoor spaces, and staying home when ill can reduce severe illness and spread.
  2. The new U.S. Dietary Guidelines are radically shorter and replace MyPlate with an inverted food pyramid, emphasizing whole foods, more protein, and some animal fats while softening alcohol advice. They diverged from the independent advisory report and removed health equity from evidence considerations, which could change federal nutrition programs and clinical guidance.
  3. New Medicaid work and renewal rules are expected to cause millions to lose coverage, leading to over a million missed cancer screenings and preventable deaths in the next two years. HRSA’s endorsement of at-home HPV self-collection tests may expand cervical screening access but isn’t a full substitute for clinician care and follow-up.

The New Death Panels: Health Care Rationing Via Delays And Denials

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Health insurance companies are creating delays and denials that harm patients' ability to receive care. Many people are missing out on necessary treatments because of these issues.
  2. A large number of doctors feel burnt out because of the complicated process of prior authorizations. This adds stress to their jobs and impacts their patients' health.
  3. To improve the situation, legislation and possibly legal action might be necessary. It's important to push for changes in how insurance companies operate to help both patients and doctors.

Why Are So Many British Women Getting Abortions?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 496 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Abortion rates in Britain have risen sharply, with close to one in three pregnancies now ending in termination amid a wider fertility slump.
  2. Some women discover pregnancies late or get unclear medical guidance, which can lead to later-term hospital procedures instead of earlier care.
  3. Repeat abortions are not uncommon — some women report multiple terminations within a few years, and many peers have had at least one.

1DaySooner's Trump II Health Policy Proposals

Astral Codex Ten • 14935 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. To improve kidney donations, policies may allow compensation for organ donors, which could help reduce the waiting list and save lives.
  2. There is a push for better transparency in healthcare data from the FDA, which could improve research and lead to safer medical products.
  3. Novel research ideas are often underfunded, so increasing support for unconventional studies and human challenge trials could speed up medical advancements.

Rx Exec on a Mission to Eliminate Unnecessary Middlemen and Slash Generics Spending

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Removing middlemen from the prescription drug process can help lower costs. These middlemen often increase prices unnecessarily, making medications more expensive for everyone.
  2. Generic drugs make up a large portion of prescriptions, yet many people don’t realize they often pay more for them due to the complicated pricing system in healthcare. Focusing on providing generics can make medications more affordable.
  3. There's a need for more transparency in how drug benefits are designed for employers. By simplifying the system and cutting out extra layers, businesses can save money on prescription costs.

A Former Republican Lawmaker’s Constant Fight with UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plan to Stay Alive

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Healthcare can be a huge struggle, especially when battling a serious illness. Many people might face denied coverage and have to fight tirelessly for the treatments they need to survive.
  2. Financial strain can impact access to necessary medical treatments. Some individuals may even resort to fundraising or selling personal belongings to cover their medical costs.
  3. Certain Medicare Advantage plans can limit access to essential care and providers. This can be frustrating for those who need specialized treatments, forcing them into difficult situations.

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
  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.

Vaccine policy meeting: The essentials

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2040 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Flu shots are recommended for everyone over 6 months, but some types might not be used due to misinformation about a preservative called thimerosal. Understanding what's safe is important for public trust in vaccines.
  2. New options for RSV protection are available this fall, including a vaccine for pregnant women and a monoclonal antibody for infants. This gives families more choices to protect their little ones from serious illnesses.
  3. COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available, but there are many unanswered questions about who will qualify for them and how much they will cost. It's crucial for health leaders to provide clear information to avoid confusion.

Health Insurer Admits “Mistake” – and Still Sticks Disabled Veteran With $110,000 in Medical Bills

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Health insurers can make big mistakes that leave patients with hefty bills, as seen with a disabled veteran who faced $110,000 in medical expenses after an insurance error.
  2. Even when companies admit to their mistakes, they may not take responsibility to fix the situation, often leaving vulnerable people to deal with the consequences.
  3. Finding help through patient advocates can make a huge difference, showing the importance of community support in navigating medical billing issues.

Hospitals across the country are dumping Medicare Advantage plans and canceling their contracts with insurers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1238 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Many hospitals are canceling their contracts with Medicare Advantage plans due to lower payments and extra work to get approvals. This creates difficulties for both hospitals and patients.
  2. Patients on Medicare Advantage plans may face delays in receiving care and might get stuck with high medical bills. This is because these plans often deny or delay necessary services.
  3. There's a growing concern about whether Medicare Advantage plans are good for seniors. People are questioning if these plans truly provide the best care or if they profit from denying treatments.

Case Study – Weight Stigma Impacts COVID-19 Vaccinations

Weight and Healthcare • 678 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare access
  1. Weight stigma affects access to proper care, such as longer needles needed for COVID-19 vaccinations, especially for higher-weight individuals.
  2. Facilities should ensure they have the correct needle sizes available for all patients, regardless of weight, to provide optimum vaccine efficacy.
  3. Advocacy and awareness are needed to address discriminatory healthcare practices and promote fair treatment for all patients, including those who are higher-weight.

As Medicare Advantage's shortcomings echo in the press, key legislators still push to privatize traditional Medicare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 639 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. There are concerns about the move to privatize Medicare, especially with more seniors being pushed towards Medicare Advantage plans. Many seniors might not know the downsides of these plans, which can include delays in care and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans often have strict rules that can limit care for patients, and these plans are favored because they make profits for private insurance companies. Some patients have difficulty getting necessary treatments due to these limitations.
  3. There's a push from certain lawmakers to make Medicare Advantage the default option for new Medicare recipients, which could make traditional Medicare less accessible. This raises worries that Medicare as we know it could disappear in favor of profit-driven plans.

Have insurance? Good luck finding an in-network mental health professional.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Finding an in-network mental health professional is really hard for people with insurance. Many providers are not actually accepting new patients or have left the network, making it feel like a waste of time for those seeking help.
  2. Even with insurance, many patients face high out-of-pocket costs. The average cost for therapy sessions can be over $174, creating a barrier for those who need mental health care.
  3. Insurance companies often make it tough to get claims approved by imposing complicated processes. This frustrates providers and leaves patients without the care they deserve.

This recovery is worth fighting for

Stay-At-Home Macro (SAHM) • 1356 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare access
  1. Progress has been made in addressing economic disparities like lowering child poverty, increasing employment for Black men, and decreasing food insecurity.
  2. Efforts like robust policy responses and safety net programs have contributed to the strong labor market recovery after the Covid recession.
  3. Continued action is needed to protect and build on the progress made, such as creating more job opportunities, supporting workers with disabilities, and ensuring access to health insurance and banking services.

The ‘Wild, Wild West’ of the American Egg Donor Industry

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. The egg donation industry is often seen as an easy way to make money, but it comes with hidden long-term risks that many donors don't fully understand.
  2. Donors like Kaylene Breeding can experience serious health issues after donating, such as fertility problems and chronic pain.
  3. There is a lack of research on the long-term effects of egg donation, leaving many donors unaware of the potential consequences to their health.

Marketing Medicare Advantage to seniors of color – even when it’s bad for their health

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Many seniors of color, especially Black and Latino seniors, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, but these plans often don't cover necessary care. This can lead to serious health issues and preventable hospitalizations.
  2. The marketing for Medicare Advantage often misleads seniors into believing they will receive good care, but the reality is that many end up facing care denials and complicated processes that are hard to navigate.
  3. There are significant racial disparities in the quality of care provided through Medicare Advantage. This impacts the well-being of seniors of color, who are often targeted by aggressive marketing strategies that don't fully explain the potential downsides.

Chartbook 335 The shame of US maternal mortality - mounting crisis or chronic condition?

Chartbook • 1530 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. The US has a very high maternal mortality rate compared to other wealthy countries, which is surprising given its wealth and health spending.
  2. The maternal mortality rate in the US is not improving and shows significant racial disparities, especially affecting Black and Native American women.
  3. Some experts question the accuracy of the data on maternal mortality, suggesting that it may be overstated, but overall, the problem of high maternal deaths remains a serious issue.

Case Study - Higher-Weight Patient Seeks CT Scan

Weight and Healthcare • 798 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare access
  1. Higher-weight patients may face challenges in accessing appropriate healthcare services, such as imaging scans like CT scans.
  2. Patients should not have to navigate through healthcare system barriers on their own and should receive accurate information about medical procedures upfront.
  3. Advocacy and education are important for challenging medical weight stigma and ensuring equitable healthcare access for all patients.

Commonwealth Fund: The U.S. Health Care System Is an International Embarrassment

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 3 HN points • 25 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. The U.S. spends a lot more on healthcare than other rich countries but still has many people in medical debt. This shows that high costs are a big issue for Americans, even for those with insurance.
  2. Many Americans, even those with jobs, are underinsured because of high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. This leads to people avoiding necessary medical care.
  3. The government is trying to reduce medical debt and propose solutions like capping out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. This would help many people afford their medications and healthcare services more easily.

Medicare Advantage plans have potentially deadly side effects. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services must act.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1079 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are different from traditional Medicare, often limiting your choice of doctors and treatments. This means you might end up paying a lot more for care when you need it.
  2. Advertising for Medicare Advantage plans often focuses on attractive benefits, but downplays the risks and potential costs. It's important to be cautious since the coverage gaps can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
  3. There is a call for stricter regulations on how Medicare Advantage plans are advertised, similar to rules for prescription drugs. This could help ensure people understand the serious implications before signing up.

Cigna denied a double lung transplant after a donor was found, leaving a mother scrambling for answers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Cigna denied a double lung transplant even after a donor was found, leaving the patient and her family in a tough situation. This shows how insurance companies can impact life-saving medical decisions.
  2. In some cases, insurance companies take a long time to approve necessary surgeries, which can be life-threatening. Quick action is critical for patients needing urgent medical care.
  3. This isn't just an isolated incident; many patients face similar issues with insurance companies. More awareness and action are needed to protect patients from such denials.

Retirees in Cortland County, New York, opposed UnitedHealth's Medicare grab and won. At least, for now.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Retirees in Cortland County successfully resisted being moved to a Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealth. This shows that organized opposition can make a difference.
  2. Healthcare insurers often hide important information about coverage and approval processes, making it hard for patients to understand what they are entitled to. This lack of transparency can lead to patients missing out on necessary care.
  3. There is growing pressure for legislative changes to protect retirees' choices between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. This means that there might be more options for seniors in the future.

When MAHA Forgets the Working Class

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 955 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Health advice that seems extreme or unattainable can push regular people away. It's important to give advice that feels realistic and achievable.
  2. Personal experiences with illness can be heavily influenced by socioeconomic status. Financial worries about healthcare can be a barrier to education and opportunities.
  3. Policies like the Affordable Care Act can make a big difference for people with preexisting conditions. They can open doors for education and better health insurance options.

Meet Dr. Hurley – a physician (and now a patient) bent on righting the wrongs of insurance denials

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1218 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Dr. Hurley, a physician turned patient, fights against health insurance denials that affect patients' access to care. His own experience with his son's surgery denial opened his eyes to the struggles many face with insurance companies.
  2. He wants to reform the medical claims process, aiming for fairness and accountability from insurers. By using his legal education and experience, he hopes to help others navigate the complicated system and advocate for their healthcare rights.
  3. Dr. Hurley emphasizes the importance of having qualified specialists review insurance claims. He believes that having doctors without the right expertise making decisions harms patients and wants to see changes that hold these reviewers accountable.

She was the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics. Now she's buried in medical debt.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Mary Lou Retton, a celebrated Olympic gymnast, is struggling with large medical bills and has had to ask for help through crowdfunding. Despite her fame, she's one of millions of Americans facing healthcare debt.
  2. UnitedHealth, a major health insurer, is making huge profits while many people struggle to pay for their medical expenses. The company is focusing on profits instead of lowering costs for its customers.
  3. Many insured Americans are also facing high out-of-pocket costs and can't afford healthcare, even with insurance. This situation reveals serious flaws in the healthcare system that need attention from lawmakers.

Make America Healthy Again?

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1193 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. To improve America's health, we need to focus on real problems and not get distracted by minor issues. Understanding the causes of our health problems is critical.
  2. Access to quality healthcare and addressing social factors like food access is essential for reducing preventable diseases. Solutions should consider both health care and lifestyle.
  3. Public health relies on evidence-based practices. Ideas that sound good but lack strong backing might not help at all and could even make things worse.

Steps for Practitioners to Advocate for Higher-Weight Patients/Clients

Weight and Healthcare • 519 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare access
  1. Recognize that higher-weight individuals deserve respect and healthcare, regardless of their size.
  2. Shift to a weight-neutral paradigm to support patients in the bodies they have, focusing on health rather than weight loss.
  3. Identify gaps in caring for higher-weight patients, work towards a healthcare system accessible to people of all sizes, and advocate for systemic change.

WSJ shows insurers make patients pay thousands for cheap generics while Brookings thinks Congressional PBM reforms could fall short

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Health insurers are charging patients much more for generic drugs, even when those drugs are supposed to be cheap. This makes it hard for patients, especially those with serious health issues, to afford their medications.
  2. Researchers suggest that proposed Congressional reforms may not effectively lower drug costs because pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) could find new ways to maintain their profits.
  3. The market for PBM services is very concentrated, giving a few companies a lot of power. More competition could help lower drug prices, but eliminating PBM profits might only reduce overall spending by a small amount.

[VIDEO] Poor Americans to feel the burn from health insurer Elevence's decision in Medicaid dispute

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. Elevance is a health insurer with high denial rates for claims, affecting patients' access to necessary treatments. Many poor Americans are struggling because of this.
  2. In Ohio and Virginia, there's a conflict between Elevance and a major hospital system, leading to unpaid claims amounting to $100 million. This dispute means Medicaid patients may need to find different hospitals for care.
  3. Lawmakers need to step in and address the unfair practices of health insurers like Elevance. This is crucial for protecting low-income Americans who rely on Medicaid services.

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 Healthcare access
  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.

💊💉 The future of weight loss drugs: A Quick Q&A with … analyst (and superforecaster) Greg Justice

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access
  1. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are changing how obesity is treated. They might also help with other health issues, making them seem like wonder drugs.
  2. While these drugs are becoming more popular, there are challenges in getting them to the people who need them, mainly about their costs and healthcare regulations.
  3. It looks like prices for GLP-1s may drop slightly due to competition, but significant price control changes are not expected anytime soon.

Long-COVID patients face treatment denials, skepticism from clinicians

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare access
  1. Long-COVID patients often struggle to be understood by doctors, facing skepticism about their symptoms. Many doctors don't have clear guidelines for treating long COVID, which can leave patients feeling frustrated and ignored.
  2. Symptoms of long COVID can be very varied and affect many parts of the body. People report issues like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and pain, which can significantly change their daily lives.
  3. The cost of treatment can be a huge burden for long COVID patients, especially in the U.S., where many face denied claims for necessary medications. This financial strain adds to the challenges they already face in managing their health.

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 Healthcare access
  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.