The hottest Healthcare access Substack posts right now

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Long-COVID patients face treatment denials, skepticism from clinicians

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Chronic Illness Healthcare access Patient Advocacy Medical Research Public Health
  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.

Do EpiPens Fail Higher-Weight Patients

Weight and Healthcare • 359 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Research Medication Body Weight Healthcare access
  1. There is controversy around Epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs) and higher-weight patients, with studies showing needle length inadequacy in penetrating muscle tissue in some individuals.
  2. Research indicates that proper needle length and low-pressure injection are crucial for effective EAI use in higher-weight individuals, with concerns about dose adequacy, especially in women with higher BMIs.
  3. To address EAI effectiveness in higher-weight patients, measuring skin-to-muscle depth for personalized needle selection, pushing firmly during injection, and advocating for more inclusive research are recommended.

Asking for Accommodations as a Higher-Weight Person - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 539 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy Healthcare access Discrimination Self-Advocacy
  1. Fat people deserve access to healthcare and may need to advocate for themselves due to anti-fat attitudes and lack of proper training in medical settings.
  2. When advocating for accommodations, knowing if weight discrimination laws exist in your location or if disability laws may apply is important.
  3. Tips for advocating include asking questions about alternative tests or treatments, taking notes, having a witness, calling ahead to ensure accommodations, and advocating not just for yourself but for future fat individuals as well.

Join me for the nationwide one-night-only screening of the documentary “Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story” on November 14

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 279 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Health Advocacy Medical care Public Health Dental care
  1. The documentary 'Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story' highlights the important work of Remote Area Medical, which helps people without access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas.
  2. Stan Brock has dedicated his life to providing medical care to those in need, and his story is a reminder of how one person can make a big difference in many lives.
  3. The film will be screened nationwide for one night only on November 14, 2023, offering people a chance to learn about this inspiring journey and the ongoing healthcare challenges in America.

Asking for Accommodations as a Higher-Weight Person Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 499 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Body positivity Healthcare access Advocacy Empowerment
  1. Places should be set up to accommodate everyone, but this isn't always the case. People may need to ask for accommodations due to factors like size, disability, or other marginalized identities.
  2. Asking for accommodations can bring up emotional challenges like stress and shame. It's important to know that asking for accommodations is not asking for special treatment, but rather for the same access others already have.
  3. There are approaches to requesting accommodations, such as determining when to ask, who to ask, how to ask, and what to do if the request is denied. It's crucial to remember that requesting accommodations is not about seeking special favors, but ensuring equal access.
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Elevance Health is denying care for Medicaid patients at high rates, according to Department of Health and Human Services report

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 359 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance policies Patient rights Government oversight
  1. Elevance Health is denying a lot of care for Medicaid patients, with one in three requests being turned down. This high denial rate has raised concerns about access to necessary medical treatments.
  2. A big reason Elevance is profitable is that it receives a steady amount of money for each Medicaid beneficiary, which can lead to denying care to keep costs low. This model focuses on profits rather than patient needs.
  3. Federal investigators are calling for more oversight of how these private insurers operate. They found that many states are not closely monitoring the care denials, which could hurt vulnerable patients who rely on Medicaid.

Resources to Fight BMI-Based Denials for Gender-Affirming Procedures

Weight and Healthcare • 279 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Healthcare access
  1. High BMI should not be a barrier to gender-affirming surgeries. Research shows that BMI-based denials are not supported by evidence.
  2. Weight stigma plays a significant role in BMI-based denials for healthcare. Advocating for informed consent and shared decision-making is crucial.
  3. Studies indicate that BMI alone should not preclude individuals from undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. The focus should be on providing access to care and respecting individual choices.

Doctors said "it was a matter of life or death." But their health insurer denied the claim.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Policy Reform Public Health
  1. Health insurance companies often deny crucial medical claims, even when doctors say treatment is a matter of life or death. This can leave patients in distress, struggling to access the care they desperately need.
  2. Many people don't know they have the right to challenge claim denials. Even if they do, insurers often make it difficult to win these appeals.
  3. Campaigns like Care Over Cost show that collective action can help patients get the care they deserve. By uniting and raising awareness, patients can hold insurers accountable and fight for their rights.

State and local governments are acting to unburden millions in medical debt but federal action is still needed

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 299 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Medical Debt Policy Reform Insurance Issues
  1. Many people, even with health insurance, struggle to pay medical bills. High deductibles and out-of-pocket costs can make accessing healthcare really stressful.
  2. State and local governments are starting to help by abolishing medical debt for residents, providing immediate relief. This makes a huge difference in people's lives and encourages them to seek necessary healthcare.
  3. While local actions are positive, more federal support is needed to truly tackle medical debt. There’s a call for Congress to lower out-of-pocket costs and improve insurance protections so that medical debt doesn't become a lasting issue for many families.

Cigna and CVS's CEOs pulled in $632 million while 100 million Americans are buried under medical debt

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Medical Debt Insurance Industry Corporate Accountability
  1. The CEOs of Cigna and CVS made a staggering $632 million while many Americans struggle with medical debt. This highlights a big gap between executive pay and the financial struggles of everyday people.
  2. One of the main issues is that many in the U.S. have extremely high deductibles, which means they take on a lot of out-of-pocket expenses before getting any help from insurance.
  3. There is a huge disparity in pay between these executives and their employees, with ratios reaching as high as 458 to 1. This raises questions about how fairly companies value their workers compared to top management.

Our Housing is Not Ready for Old Boomers

The New Urban Order • 199 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Elderly Care Healthcare access
  1. A large portion of housing lacks aging-ready features like step-free entryways and first-floor bedrooms, leading to difficulties for older residents, especially those over 85.
  2. The aging population poses significant challenges like increased falls and medical expenses, highlighting the importance of addressing housing issues sooner rather than later.
  3. By 2060, a quarter of Americans will be over 65, underscoring the urgent need to focus on building housing that better caters to the needs of an aging population, instead of relying solely on unsustainable models like assisted living.

The Big Seven health insurers spent $26.2 billion buying back their own stocks in 2022 to enrich CEOs, shareholders

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medical Debt Policy Corporate ethics Healthcare access
  1. The Big Seven health insurers spent $26.2 billion on buying back their stocks in just one year, which mostly benefited wealthy shareholders and CEOs.
  2. Despite making over $69 billion in profits in 2022, many Americans are struggling with high medical debt due to high-deductible insurance plans.
  3. Instead of helping patients, the focus remains on increasing share prices, leading to calls for legislation that could tax stock buybacks and support patients with their medical expenses.

Ending the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency

crimeandpunishment • 117 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Healthcare access Poverty
  1. The Biden Administration is transitioning out of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency by letting declarations expire together in May 2023.
  2. The end of the emergency declarations may lead to higher costs for COVID tests and cuts to programs like SNAP benefits.
  3. Some leaders advocate for an immediate end to the emergency declarations, while others support a phased approach for a safer transition.

U.S. women enrolled in high-deductible health insurance plans are at risk of dying younger

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Women's Health Racial Disparities Policy Impact
  1. Women with high-deductible health insurance plans face a greater risk of dying younger because they may not afford the care they need. This is especially true for those diagnosed with serious illnesses like breast cancer.
  2. Studies show that women in high-deductible plans are less likely to stick to their treatment due to high out-of-pocket costs, which can lead to worse health outcomes.
  3. There's a significant racial disparity in health outcomes for women with cancer in high-deductible plans, particularly affecting Black women who are less likely to receive necessary treatment compared to other groups.

How prior authorization can kill: a 2-year-old with cancer; a young woman needing chemo; and a 17-year-old in need of a transplant

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Medical treatment Government Policy
  1. Prior authorization is a process where insurance companies must approve treatments before they happen. This can delay or deny care, leading to serious health consequences.
  2. Patients and their advocates should not accept a denial as the final answer. Speaking out or getting media attention often leads to faster approvals for necessary treatments.
  3. The system is flawed, as people need to fight for coverage, and even then, unexpected bills can still arise. It's important to be proactive and challenge initial denials.

I just caused a long line at the pharmacy counter. And still paid $141 for an inhaler.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 18 May 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Policy
  1. Healthcare costs in the U.S. can be confusing and expensive, even for generics that are supposed to be cheaper. Sometimes, you end up paying more for generics than for brand-name drugs.
  2. Many people don’t realize they might get cheaper medication prices through services like GoodRx instead of their insurance. This can lead to significant savings on prescriptions.
  3. The Medicare Modernization Act has complicated Medicare drug coverage and prevents Medicare from negotiating drug prices, leading to greater financial burdens for many Americans.

The health care injustices that Dr. King spoke about are still here. And growing.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health Inequality Healthcare access Public Health Social justice
  1. Healthcare inequalities that Dr. King talked about are still a big problem today. Many people, especially in low-income areas, can't get the medical care they need.
  2. Emergency departments are becoming overcrowded because people can't find regular doctors. This leads to dire situations where even minor issues turn into urgent needs.
  3. Despite the suffering in poorer neighborhoods, big health insurance companies are making huge profits. This creates a larger gap in healthcare access for those who need it most.

CVS/Aetna's $9 billion in profits paid for a lavish party and stock buybacks. Not patients' medical claims.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Corporate Profits Patient Advocacy Medical Debt Insurance Industry
  1. CVS/Aetna made $9 billion in profits, which they used for parties and buying back stocks, not helping patients with their medical costs.
  2. Many patients are struggling with high out-of-pocket medical expenses, leading them to seek help through crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe.
  3. Executives at CVS/Aetna are making huge salaries, while the company is spending less on actual patient care, raising concerns about corporate priorities in healthcare.

High deductibles helped UnitedHealth reach $7 billion in profits in Q2 as a 14-year-old begs for deductible assistance on GoFundMe.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 15 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy
  1. UnitedHealth made $7 billion in profits during the second quarter, thanks in part to high deductibles in health insurance plans. This means they are doing really well financially.
  2. A 14-year-old named Ava Hope has health insurance but cannot afford the high out-of-pocket costs and is asking for help on GoFundMe. Her story highlights the struggles many face even with insurance.
  3. Many people in the U.S. are suffering and going into debt due to insurance costs while companies like UnitedHealth focus on profits. There's a call for Congress to lower costs so people can actually use their insurance when they need it.

I spoke with GOP Rep. Buddy Carter. He thinks Republicans and Democrats can find common ground on PBMs, high out-of-pocket costs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Pharmaceuticals Cost reduction Legislation Bipartisanship
  1. Rep. Buddy Carter believes both Republicans and Democrats can work together to tackle high drug costs and the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
  2. Many patients struggle with getting necessary medications due to high out-of-pocket costs and complicated insurance processes, leading to significant stress and hardship.
  3. Carter advocates for breaking up the power of large PBMs and pushing for more transparency in drug pricing to make healthcare more affordable for everyone.

The Impact of Long COVID

The Weekly Gazette • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Chronic Illness Healthcare access Research Funding Patient Advocacy
  1. Long COVID can cause serious, long-term health issues like fatigue and insomnia for many people, severely affecting their daily lives. It shows that COVID-19 can have impacts even after the infection is gone.
  2. Research on Long COVID is ongoing, but there is no single treatment available yet. Many patients end up managing symptoms on their own while waiting for better solutions.
  3. Long COVID has brought attention to other similar conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome, which have also been underfunded. Patients are increasingly advocating for more research and treatment options.

Rep. Katie Porter's Patients Before Profit Act is exciting.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Reform Public Health Legislation Patient rights Healthcare access
  1. The Patients Before Profits Act aims to protect patients by preventing insurance companies from cutting coverage during public health emergencies.
  2. This bill stops insurers from lowering payments to doctors and healthcare workers during crises like pandemics.
  3. It highlights how some insurance companies made huge profits while cutting reimbursements, hurting both doctors and patients.

How Lack of Equal Healthcare Access Harms Fat Patients' Health

Weight and Healthcare • 99 implied HN points • 02 Nov 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare access Weight Stigma
  1. Access to healthcare is not equal for fat patients, impacting their ability to reach healthcare providers and receive necessary care.
  2. Financial barriers play a significant role in healthcare access for fat patients, affecting insurance coverage, treatment affordability, and follow-up care.
  3. Fat patients often face weight bias and discrimination in healthcare settings, making it challenging to receive ethical, evidence-based, and compassionate care.

A Monopoly on Poop

Eat Shit and Prosper • 1 HN point • 14 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Regulations Pharmaceuticals Public Health Patient Safety
  1. The FDA approved Rebyota, a new treatment for serious gut infections that is basically just processed poop, but it comes with a very high price tag of around $9,487, sparking concerns about its affordability compared to existing fecal microbiota transplants.
  2. Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) have been used effectively for years but face regulatory challenges, leading to limited access and insurance coverage, which leaves patients with expensive options like Rebyota.
  3. The FDA's new rules seem to restrict the use of lower-cost stool banks for FMTs, creating a monopoly for companies producing expensive versions, which raises questions about priorities in healthcare and profit vs. patient care.

Pulling back the curtains on how Big Health is hurting Americans.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 21
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Insurance Issues Public Health Healthcare access Health Equity
  1. Big Health often puts profits before patients, leading to higher costs and less care. This can hurt people's access to necessary medical services.
  2. Many Americans struggle with healthcare bills, which can lead to financial stress and even bankruptcy. It's important for people to be aware of their rights and options.
  3. Transparency in healthcare is crucial. Knowing how much treatments really cost can help patients make better decisions about their health.

Indian Healthcare Will Likely ‘Uberify’: Here’s Why

Nano Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare access AI Technology Patient Experience Telemedicine
  1. India's healthcare system is very open to using AI and tech for direct patient care. This makes it easier for people to get medical help quickly without going through lots of red tape.
  2. Unlike many countries, many Indians pay for healthcare out of pocket, which allows for faster services and less hassle. This lets patients access care directly and makes it easier for healthcare businesses to innovate.
  3. India has a huge population and not enough doctors, creating a big chance for AI tools to assist in healthcare. This could help doctors manage their workloads better and improve access to care for more people.