The hottest Healthcare policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen β€’ 1924 implied HN points β€’ 30 Oct 24
  1. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health is now calling itself 'evidence-based', but some parts of their research have been held back, which affects their practice.
  2. They are aware of problems in their field, like overly simplistic assessment tools, but are trying to move towards more inclusive and open-ended questions.
  3. There are concerns about patients, especially young people, wanting to revert their gender decisions, which highlights the importance of supporting individual choices.
Your Local Epidemiologist β€’ 1232 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 25
  1. A new class of antibiotics has been approved for treating urinary tract infections, which is great news in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
  2. Measles cases are rising in several states, especially among unvaccinated children, highlighting the importance of vaccination during summer travel.
  3. Wildfire smoke from Canada is affecting air quality in many areas, so it's smart to check local air quality levels and take safety precautions when needed.
Force of Infection β€’ 28 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 25
  1. Patients can offer valuable ideas to improve healthcare based on their personal experiences. It's important for these voices to be heard in medical discussions.
  2. The Voices in Print project connects patients with professional writers to share their suggestions in a clear way. This helps bring patient insights into medical literature.
  3. They are looking for new patient partners who have specific ideas on improving care, and participation in the project is free.
Don't Worry About the Vase β€’ 1747 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 25
  1. Medical news has slowed down as other topics grab our attention, but real developments are happening quickly due to advancements in AI.
  2. Life expectancy is on the rise in many countries, and we are seeing breakthroughs in preventative healthcare and treatment options, like effective ways to prevent HIV.
  3. It is important to be cautious and proactive about your health. Sometimes doctors may not give the full picture, so getting a second opinion can make a difference.
Popular Rationalism β€’ 970 implied HN points β€’ 17 Oct 24
  1. The CBS News report about whooping cough vaccines contained misinformation, suggesting adults need a booster every ten years for pertussis. This is misleading because the CDC does not recommend regular boosters for pertussis.
  2. The effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine decreases significantly within a few years, meaning people can still get infected and spread the disease even after vaccination. This poses risks, especially to infants who are not fully vaccinated.
  3. The vaccine does not provide herd immunity, making it difficult to rely on vaccinated adults to protect vulnerable groups. The public should be educated about the limitations of the vaccine and the risks of asymptomatic carriers.
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Your Local Epidemiologist β€’ 1591 implied HN points β€’ 15 May 25
  1. Drug prices in the U.S. are much higher than in other countries because drug companies set their own prices, and patents keep competition away for many years. This results in Americans paying more for medications.
  2. High drug prices lead people to skip doses or avoid taking medicine altogether, which can result in serious health issues. Many people can't afford their medications, causing preventable health problems.
  3. There are possible solutions to lower drug prices, like the government negotiating prices and reforming patents to allow generics more quickly. However, it requires public pressure and political will to make these changes happen.
OK Doomer β€’ 246 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 25
  1. H5N1 bird flu is becoming a serious threat and might be spreading through the air from bird droppings, which could put people at risk even in parks.
  2. The current government's lack of transparency and support for tracking outbreaks is concerning, especially as hospitals face rising flu cases.
  3. Historical pandemics show that initial mildness can lead to deadly mutations, and without proper public health measures, we may be repeating past mistakes.
Force of Infection β€’ 152 implied HN points β€’ 17 Feb 25
  1. Flu season is very severe this year, especially affecting young children, with many doctor visits for flu symptoms.
  2. COVID-19 cases are still around but are currently lower than flu cases. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have slightly decreased recently.
  3. There have been notable outbreaks, like measles in Texas and human cases of bird flu in Nevada, showing the need for ongoing health monitoring.
COVID Reason β€’ 356 implied HN points β€’ 02 Oct 24
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed flaws in the healthcare system, showing that some doctors may not always listen to their patients or critically evaluate their practices.
  2. A study found that while AI like GPT-4 can diagnose accurately on its own, doctors did not significantly improve their performance using it, possibly due to skepticism and integration issues.
  3. For AI to be effective in healthcare, there needs to be better collaboration between doctors and AI tools, focusing on trust and finding ways to integrate AI smoothly into their work.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss β€’ 2031 implied HN points β€’ 04 Dec 24
  1. Two main court cases are examining gender-affirming care for minors. One case involves the Biden administration challenging a Tennessee ban on these treatments, while the other focuses on a doctor who faced legal issues after whistleblowing about such practices.
  2. Whistleblowers like Jamie Reed and Dr. Eithan Haim have raised concerns about the impact of gender transition on young patients. They argue that the current medical system could be misleading vulnerable youth, leading to regret after irreversible procedures.
  3. These ongoing legal battles highlight the larger debate around gender care, with differing opinions on safety and ethics. Many are calling for more science-based approaches rather than political influence in these sensitive matters.
An Educated Guess β€’ 290 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 25
  1. Profit-driven health insurance can harm people's health instead of helping them. When companies prioritize making money, they can exploit their customers.
  2. Trust is really important in health insurance. If people feel taken advantage of, they won't believe their insurance will truly support them when they need it.
  3. Having health insurance can provide peace of mind and improve mental health. Just knowing you're covered can help reduce anxiety and depression, but many profit-driven plans don't offer this sense of security.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 559 implied HN points β€’ 20 Aug 24
  1. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a history of opposing health care reforms like Obamacare, fighting to protect the insurance industry's profits. Their actions have often prioritized big business over the needs of everyday people.
  2. Recently, the Chamber has also opposed Medicare's efforts to negotiate lower drug prices. They claim it will harm the pharmaceutical industry, but many seniors could benefit from cheaper medications.
  3. Overall, the Chamber does not represent small businesses or local interests as much as it represents large corporations. Their lobbying efforts highlight how some businesses prioritize profit over the well-being of the public.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 679 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 24
  1. UnitedHealth Group is a massive company that has grown by buying up other businesses in healthcare. This makes it very influential in many areas of the industry.
  2. Like the Dragon Ball Z character Majin Buu, UnitedHealth absorbs other companies to become stronger and extend its reach. This strategy helps them dominate the healthcare market.
  3. The unchecked power of companies like UnitedHealth can have serious consequences for regular people, leading to higher costs and fewer choices in healthcare.
Your Local Epidemiologist β€’ 2286 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 25
  1. Many people think natural things are always good, but that's not true. Some natural things can be harmful, like germs that cause diseases.
  2. It's important to rely on science rather than just the appeal of nature. Some human-made medicines save lives, even when natural solutions sound better.
  3. We need policies that look at the real issues affecting health, not just ones that follow popular but incorrect ideas about nature. Ignoring the complexities can lead to more health problems.
The Ruffian β€’ 528 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 24
  1. Luigi Mangione, the man who committed a murder in a protest against healthcare, was from a wealthy background and had no history of being wronged by the system. His actions don't fit the narrative of fighting for the oppressed.
  2. Despite being celebrated by some leftist circles, Mangione was more of a liberal centrist with interests that aligned with rational thought and skepticism, which contrasts sharply with his violent act.
  3. The public's reaction to Mangione's actions shows a troubling acceptance of political violence. This could encourage more similar actions, leading to a dangerous cycle of justifying violence in political discourse.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 739 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jul 24
  1. UnitedHealth and Cigna are facing lawsuits for denying medical claims using a flawed AI system, which many believe does not work correctly. This has led to patients not receiving the care they need or having to pay high costs for care.
  2. Despite the lawsuits and public criticism, these companies plan to expand their use of AI in health care decision-making. They are investing more in technology, aiming for efficiency even at the risk of more denied claims.
  3. Experts warn that using AI in health care can leave patients feeling helpless and confused when their claims are denied. They believe that patients under AI-driven systems may struggle to advocate for their own health needs effectively.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 619 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jul 24
  1. UnitedHealth made a massive profit of $15.8 billion in just six months by using strategies to boost its income from private Medicare plans. This shows how profitable these plans can be for insurance companies.
  2. The company has been increasing its earnings by owning many of the doctors and clinics its patients visit. This vertical integration gives them more control and helps them profit more from the services they provide.
  3. UnitedHealth has found ways to maximize its Medicare Advantage funding by misreporting patient conditions. This has earned them billions from the government, which has raised questions about their practices.
AI Snake Oil β€’ 864 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 24
  1. The liver transplant matching algorithm in the UK might favor older patients over younger ones, which raises serious ethical concerns. This can lead to younger patients, even if they are very sick, being overlooked for transplants.
  2. Using predictive algorithms in healthcare can be risky. They can have biases that might not be obvious, like wrongly estimating how long patients will live after a transplant based on a five-year cap.
  3. It's important for the public to have a voice in how medical algorithms are created and used. Better understanding and participation can help ensure fair and just treatment for all patients.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 599 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jul 24
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are being pushed heavily by some insurance groups, but many rural hospitals are rejecting these plans due to issues like payment delays and limited coverage.
  2. Reports show that people on Medicare Advantage can face higher out-of-pocket costs and less access to necessary care compared to those on traditional Medicare.
  3. Many rural hospitals are opting out of Medicare Advantage altogether, indicating that this choice may leave beneficiaries with fewer options and potentially lead to financial burdens.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 579 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 24
  1. Big insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are making money by increasing drug prices and hurting small pharmacies. This means patients often pay more for their medications.
  2. The FTC found that just six companies control most of the pharmacy benefit market, limiting options for patients and squeezing independent pharmacies.
  3. Many people struggle to afford their medications, with some saying they skip doses because of high costs. This shows the serious impact of PBMs on healthcare access.
A B’Old Woman β€’ 479 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jul 24
  1. The open letter to New Zealand's Health Minister highlights worries about the new gender-affirming care guidelines, suggesting they lack solid evidence and consensus.
  2. It questions the credibility of organizations like WPATH and PATHA, pointing out conflicts of interest and potential political pressures affecting health guidelines.
  3. There's a call for greater caution in treating young people who identify as transgender, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices rather than 'treatment on demand.'
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 839 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jun 24
  1. Working in managed care, the focus is often on lowering costs rather than ensuring quality care. This can make it hard for executives to feel good about their roles.
  2. A turning point in his career came when a doctor reminded him of the real people affected by profit-driven decisions. It made him reevaluate his path.
  3. Leaving the for-profit insurance world was tough financially, but it became the best career choice for him. He now helps doctors get fair contracts and values the work he does.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 819 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jun 24
  1. Insurers are seeing more claims for Medicaid and Medicare, but they aren't worried about profits. This is surprising to many people looking at the rising costs.
  2. Insurance companies can limit patient care by using tactics like prior authorization, which makes it hard for people to get needed treatment. This helps them keep their profits high.
  3. Medicare Advantage plans allow insurers to charge seniors more out-of-pocket costs. Insurers do this to maximize their profits while still getting a steady payment from the government.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 739 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jun 24
  1. Many seniors using Medicare Advantage plans face serious obstacles, like having limited access to doctors. This can lead to long travel times and difficulties in getting proper care.
  2. These plans often require a lot of extra steps to approve treatments, causing frustrating delays for patients in need of immediate attention. It can take weeks or months to get the care they need.
  3. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare can be tricky and risky. Many people may find they can’t get the additional coverage they need after becoming sick, thus leaving them stuck in a difficult situation.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jul 24
  1. Medicare has helped millions of seniors access health care since it started 59 years ago. It was created to ensure older people could get medical services without going broke.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans, run by private companies, often cause more problems than they solve. They can lead to higher costs and less access to care for seniors.
  3. Big health insurers are getting extra money from the government through Medicare Advantage, which is hurting the traditional Medicare system. Regulators are now starting to pay attention and could help protect this important program.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 919 implied HN points β€’ 13 May 24
  1. CVS Health is under pressure to boost profits, which may lead to reduced coverage for Medicare Advantage plans. This means people might not get the treatments their doctors recommend.
  2. Expect higher premiums and limited benefits as CVS plans to adjust its Medicare offerings to make more money. Many seniors could find themselves losing access to necessary care.
  3. The changes happening now in Medicare Advantage could disrupt healthcare for many. Once someone is dropped from these plans, it can be tough for them to find affordable alternatives.
The Dossier β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 24
  1. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is a key figure in advocating for more sensible COVID-related policies, taking personal risks in his professional life to voice his beliefs.
  2. He has been instrumental in challenging the heavy censorship surrounding opinions that go against popular narratives about the pandemic.
  3. Bhattacharya's courage and qualifications make him a strong leader in efforts to improve public health and address the mistakes made during the pandemic.
Independent SAGE continues β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jul 24
  1. Covid cases are rising again in England, especially among older people. This suggests that the virus is still active and not just a seasonal illness.
  2. Hospital admissions for Covid are also increasing and approaching the levels seen during last winter's peak. This means the healthcare system could face more pressure soon.
  3. Despite fewer deaths from Covid compared to last year, there has been a recent increase in fatalities. It's crucial to stay cautious and follow health guidelines to minimize risks.
Your Local Epidemiologist β€’ 1320 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 24
  1. Egg prices are rising due to avian flu outbreaks, which are affecting poultry farms. This means some people might pay more than $4 for a dozen eggs.
  2. A new study shows that pregnant women should aim to get their RSV vaccine at least five weeks before their due date for better protection for their babies.
  3. Good news on sexually transmitted infections (STIs): rates have decreased for the first time in years, thanks to better testing and public health campaigns.
Independent SAGE continues β€’ 639 implied HN points β€’ 22 May 24
  1. Masks help reduce the spread of respiratory diseases, including Covid-19, when worn correctly and consistently.
  2. N95 respirators are more effective than medical or cloth masks, especially in healthcare settings.
  3. Political beliefs and misinformation can affect how people view mask-wearing, but it's important for public health and safety.
Your Local Epidemiologist β€’ 953 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
  1. There's a national discussion happening about the U.S. healthcare system, revealing mixed feelings among Americans. Even though many like their insurance, dissatisfaction rises when they actually need to use it.
  2. H5N1 testing in milk is finally being implemented, which is important for tracking its spread. This change comes after significant public health concern and other testing efforts at local levels.
  3. Moderna's RSV vaccine trial for infants was stopped because some babies became sicker after receiving it. This shows the ongoing challenge of developing safe vaccines for young children.
OK Doomer β€’ 136 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 24
  1. Bird flu is becoming a bigger concern as new cases and mutations suggest it might spread more easily among humans. This raises questions about a potential pandemic.
  2. There have been warnings for nearly three years about H5N1, indicating it may be getting closer to affecting people significantly.
  3. Governments have not adequately prepared for pandemics in the past, which increases the risk for future outbreaks like bird flu.
Independent SAGE continues β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 24
  1. Covid case rates and hospital admissions are stabilizing, but they are still higher than May's figures. It looks like the peak may have passed, but caution is needed.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign had lower vaccine coverage compared to previous campaigns, especially among vulnerable groups. This means more people might be at risk.
  3. Long Covid remains a concern for everyone, and it's important to take safety measures like self-isolating and wearing masks if you're feeling unwell.
Independent SAGE continues β€’ 299 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jun 24
  1. Covid positivity rates and hospital admissions are on the rise again, indicating that the virus is spreading more in the community. It's important to stay cautious.
  2. Long Covid is affecting many people, with over 1.1 million reporting symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks. This shows that even after initial recovery, some individuals continue to face health challenges.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ongoing but is seeing slower vaccination rates compared to previous campaigns. It's crucial for eligible individuals, especially the immunosuppressed, to get vaccinated before the campaign ends.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 739 implied HN points β€’ 04 Apr 24
  1. The Heritage Foundation is working to change Medicare into a system more like private insurance, which may not provide the same level of care for everyone. This shift could leave many seniors without sufficient support when they really need it.
  2. Currently, many people are choosing Medicare Advantage plans because they seem to offer great perks. However, these plans might limit their care options when serious health issues arise, potentially putting them in a difficult situation later on.
  3. If reforms are passed, Medicare and Social Security could become benefits available only to those in the greatest need. This would transform them from universal programs into something more like welfare, affecting millions of Americans.
Something to Consider β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 24
  1. Medicare price caps could lower investment in new drugs, as they cut profits for pharmaceutical companies. Less investment might mean fewer new medicines in the future.
  2. Reducing drug prices could result in significant loss of life, as fewer new drugs mean fewer treatments for diseases. This effect is not just for the U.S., but could impact people globally.
  3. Instead of cutting prices, the focus should be on finding ways to help people afford medications. It's important to invest in pharmaceuticals to save lives rather than trying to cut costs at the expense of future health advancements.
Independent SAGE continues β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 24
  1. Covid cases in England are rising again, especially in the North East and North West, but they are still at relatively low levels overall.
  2. Deaths from Covid have slightly increased recently, but they remain lower compared to last year, with only 101 deaths recorded for a recent week.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ending soon, and while 55% of those eligible have received it, many immunocompromised individuals still need to get vaccinated.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 1338 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
  1. Seniors receive a lot of ads for Medicare Advantage plans that often oversell the benefits and don't mention the downsides, like limited networks and requiring approvals for care.
  2. More than half of seniors are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage, a shift that many believe is driven by aggressive marketing tactics from insurance companies.
  3. Complaints about how Medicare Advantage is marketed have doubled recently, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on these advertising practices.
HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 09 May 24
  1. Incremental changes in health care shouldn't be viewed negatively. They can be seen as essential steps that help us get closer to universal health care.
  2. The pandemic showed how unprepared many health systems were, revealing deep flaws that need fixing for better care in the future.
  3. Fighting for universal health care means understanding the complex ties between health care and finance, as both sectors are deeply connected and affect each other's success.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality β€’ 92 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 24
  1. Economic growth in the G-5 has faced challenges due to policy choices, like the Reagan deficits and insufficient public investment. These choices have slowed growth compared to earlier times.
  2. ObamaCare has effectively controlled entitlement spending, shifting the focus to new financial issues. It's become clear that previous crises have changed over time.
  3. Wages for non-managerial workers have started to rise compared to managerial workers. This shift shows a significant change in the workforce that isn't just due to technology but reflects broader social dynamics.