The hottest Healthcare policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Covid Situation Report: Jun 6, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Covid positivity rates are rising, especially among older people, but hospital admissions remain stable and low. It’s important to stay cautious.
  2. Older individuals face a higher risk of being hospitalized or dying from Covid. It's crucial to get vaccinated, especially for those over 75 and immunocompromised.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is ongoing, but vaccination rates are slowing. People should check their eligibility and consider getting their booster before the end of June.

Medical Roundup #4

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Long Covid Can Be Both Psychosomatic And Real

Singal-Minded • 607 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Long Covid can be both a real illness and influenced by the mind. This means some people might feel real symptoms even if there isn't a clear medical cause.
  2. A lot of people with Long Covid were healthy before getting sick, and some symptoms are very common and vague. This makes it tough to pinpoint exactly what Long Covid is.
  3. Understanding Long Covid requires both medical knowledge and attention to the patient's experiences. It shows the need for a balance between science and understanding individual stories.

The Doctors Trying to Redefine Death

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 542 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Doctors are debating how to define death, suggesting that people on life support and in irreversible comas could be considered dead. This change could help increase organ donations.
  2. Traditionally, death was understood as the stopping of the heart and lungs, but with modern technology, like ventilators, this definition is more complicated.
  3. This topic is important for everyone since it affects potential organ donors and recipients, making it a real concern for many people.

Company behind Joe Namath Medicare Advantage ads has long rap sheet of misconduct

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. The company behind Joe Namath's Medicare Advantage ads has a history of legal troubles and misconduct. This includes past penalties from federal agencies and a recent bankruptcy that some say was a way to avoid paying off legal liabilities.
  2. Over 31 million seniors are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, which can limit their access to doctors and hospitals. Many don't realize that signing up might mean losing their preferred healthcare providers, despite potential perks like gym memberships.
  3. Private equity firms play a big role in the Medicare Advantage market. They invest heavily in companies that often prioritize profits over genuine patient care, which can lead to misleading advertising and poor service for seniors.
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Gender-Care Whistleblowers Go to Court. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2031 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

How the nursing home lobby uses it's political prowess to kill would-be regulations and line the industry's pockets

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy
  1. The nursing home lobby uses its influence to protect its profits and avoid regulations. This means that they can get away with poor care for residents.
  2. There is a strong connection between nursing home companies and politicians, with money flowing back and forth. This cozy relationship can lead to decisions that favor the industry over the needs of elderly residents.
  3. Many countries do a better job of caring for seniors than the U.S. does. There's a call for the U.S. to change how we think about and treat older adults, emphasizing their needs and quality of care.

UnitedHealth Group takes Wall Street hit because of investors' fears about Medicare Advantage profitability, Department of Justice antitrust investigation

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. UnitedHealth Group is experiencing a big drop in its stock value because investors are worried about how profitable Medicare Advantage plans are. Many insurance companies are losing millions as healthcare usage by seniors increases.
  2. The Department of Justice is investigating UnitedHealth for possible antitrust issues related to its many acquisitions. This investigation is looking into how its insurance and healthcare services may be violating federal rules.
  3. There are growing concerns among both political parties about how Medicare Advantage plans are run. Bills are being introduced to make these plans more transparent and to reduce overpayments to them.

BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR: How Medicare Advantage care denials affect patients

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are often denying care for patients, which can lead to serious health issues. Insurers like UnitedHealth prioritize profits over patient care, creating barriers for those who need treatment.
  2. The process of 'prior authorization' used by these insurers causes significant delays in receiving necessary medical care. This system can sometimes result in life-threatening situations for patients who are waiting for approval.
  3. Organizations like People’s Action are working to help patients navigate the complicated insurance system and advocate for fair treatment. They aim to expose the challenges faced by patients and push for changes to the healthcare system.

Five Medicare Advantage fixes we can all get behind (except the health insurance industry, of course)

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Aligning prior authorization standards between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare can reduce delays in care. This change can help patients get the treatment they need faster and ensure insurers are held accountable.
  2. Protecting seniors from misleading marketing scams is crucial. Congress and CMS are taking steps to ensure that ads for Medicare Advantage plans are clear and truthful, which is good for seniors.
  3. Medicare Advantage plans should offer real supplemental benefits that seniors actually use. It's important for these plans to track how these benefits are being utilized to ensure they improve health outcomes.

The Abstainer in Chief Gets Friendly With Marijuana

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 97 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy
  1. The president, who doesn’t drink or smoke, signed an executive order to reschedule marijuana and speed up federal review.
  2. Rescheduling could loosen regulations, reduce tax burdens for cannabis companies, and open the door to federal recognition of medical marijuana.
  3. The move breaks with traditional Republican drug-policy stances and has unsettled some conservative allies, even as the cannabis industry has long leaned toward Democrats and progressives.

Updated estimates of Long Covid in England and Scotland show that it remains a serious issue

Independent SAGE continues • 239 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. About 1.1 million people in England and Scotland are estimated to have Long Covid lasting at least 12 weeks, which is a significant number. This suggests that Long Covid is still a serious health problem affecting many individuals.
  2. Most people with Long Covid have been living with it for a long time; over 50% have had it for more than two years. Many new cases are still emerging, especially among those with repeated infections.
  3. Long Covid significantly impacts daily life for many, with nearly 73% experiencing some limitations and about 23% facing major difficulties in their daily activities. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating.

What does the latest data tell us about Long Covid?

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Long Covid is still a big health problem, with about 2 million people in the UK affected as of March 2024.
  2. Certain groups are more likely to suffer from Long Covid, such as those living in poorer areas and certain ethnic groups, especially Mixed and Asian communities.
  3. Many people with Long Covid experience serious symptoms that greatly affect their daily activities, especially if they've been suffering for over two years.

Covid Situation Report: Mar 21, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 299 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Covid hospital admissions are low and stable, indicating the winter surge is over. Rates for flu are slightly higher than for Covid right now.
  2. Deaths due to Covid have decreased in the past month, reflecting lower infection rates. Overall, Covid is still present but at manageable levels.
  3. Older adults are at higher risk for hospitalization if they get Covid. It's important to limit contact when showing symptoms to protect yourself and others.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 18, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. The Covid situation is improving, with lower hospital admissions and positivity rates compared to before. However, some areas are seeing slight increases.
  2. There is a new booster campaign for older adults and those at risk, highlighting the ongoing need for vaccination to prevent severe outcomes.
  3. Covid is still around and can be serious, especially for older people, so it's important to follow safety measures when feeling unwell.

Covid Situation Report: May 2, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 179 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Covid positivity rates are rising, especially among people aged 65 and older. But overall, hospital admission rates for Covid remain relatively low.
  2. The Autumn 2023 booster significantly reduced hospitalization risks for older individuals, but its effectiveness decreases significantly after 15 weeks. A successful Spring 2024 booster campaign is needed to protect vulnerable populations.
  3. The Spring 2024 booster campaign started strong, with over 1.3 million doses given in the first two weeks. It's important for eligible individuals to get vaccinated as Covid levels may be increasing.

The Dose (November 22)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1320 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 11, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 199 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Covid hospital admissions are low and stable, indicating that the winter surge has mostly ended. This is a good sign for managing the virus.
  2. A Spring 2024 booster campaign is starting soon, targeting older adults and those with weakened immune systems to help keep them safer.
  3. Deaths from Covid have significantly decreased compared to last year, and the overall numbers continue to go down, which is encouraging news.

How UnitedHealth became Goliath, Medusa and mythical sirens all wrapped into one

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. UnitedHealth has grown to be one of the biggest companies in the world, worth nearly half a trillion dollars. It has more members than the population of many countries, showing just how large its impact is.
  2. UnitedHealth is more than just an insurance company; it employs thousands of doctors and has various services like pharmacies and clinics. This makes it a big player in the healthcare industry.
  3. The article suggests it's important to understand how companies like UnitedHealth affect our healthcare costs and decisions about care. Their influence is significant, and we need to be aware of it.

The Dose (December 13)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 953 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

What lessons can we learn from the Autumn Booster Campaign?

Independent SAGE continues • 179 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. The initial Covid vaccination program worked well for older populations, but younger groups and ethnic minorities got less attention and support. We need to keep looking for ways to involve everyone.
  2. Booster vaccination rates are falling, especially among immunocompromised individuals and younger age groups. We must find better ways to encourage these communities to get vaccinated.
  3. Only a small percentage of NHS workers received the latest booster, which is worrying given their higher risk of exposure. It's important to ensure healthcare staff are protected so they can continue to care for others.

The LOOP NOW Coalition sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to introduce bipartisan legislation to begin reducing Americans’ exposure to absurdly high out-of-pocket requirements.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 719 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Many Americans, even those with health insurance, are struggling with high medical debt. This situation affects around 100 million people.
  2. The LOOP NOW Coalition is urging Congress to pass laws that lower out-of-pocket costs for healthcare. They want to limit annual expenses for medications and treatments.
  3. Currently, out-of-pocket health costs can reach over $9,000 for individuals, which makes it tough for families to afford necessary care. The coalition is working with lawmakers from both parties to tackle this issue.

Does the UK’s liver transplant matching algorithm systematically exclude younger patients?

AI Snake Oil • 864 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Weekend flu check-in

Force of Infection • 65 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Influenza activity is increasing across many states, especially among children. While still low, this trend is expected to continue as the holiday season approaches.
  2. Different regions are experiencing varying levels of flu activity. Some areas, like New York City and Colorado, are seeing significant rises, while others remain stable or low.
  3. In Canada, flu cases are also rising quickly, with a noticeable increase in hospitalizations. It's important to monitor respiratory illnesses like RSV and COVID-19, but currently, COVID-19 levels are stable.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 4, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 139 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Covid case numbers are low in England, and hospital admissions are stable. This shows that the winter surge is over, but we still need to be cautious.
  2. The Spring 2024 booster campaign is starting for older people and those with weakened immune systems, highlighting the importance of vaccinations.
  3. Changes in Covid testing mean fewer routine tests will be available, but Covid hospital admissions will still help track how the virus is spreading in the community.

Breaking NEWS: HHS Terminates Major Grants to the AAP

Who is Robert Malone • 32 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. HHS has terminated roughly $18–20 million in federal grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics, saying the group has lost touch with American families and used identity-based language.
  2. Critics point to several controversial AAP recommendations — masking very young children, past advice to delay peanut introduction, 2025 COVID vaccine guidance for infants, and endorsing GLP-1 drugs for adolescents — and allege those choices harmed kids and reflected industry influence.
  3. Major legal and political moves are underway: California’s AB 144 is criticized for shielding vaccine providers while leaving injured families without remedies, and the U.S. House passed H.R.3492 to criminalize many gender-affirming treatments for minors.

The Enigma of Luigi Mangione

The Ruffian • 528 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Big health insurers are using Washington-based trade group the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) to bankroll ad campaigns in the DC area

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Big health insurers are using a group called PCMA to run ads in Washington to protect their profits in the pharmacy supply chain. They want everyone to think they're on the side of patients.
  2. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are making more money than traditional health insurance companies. They decide which medications people can access and how much they have to pay.
  3. The ads you're seeing about PBMs being beneficial are actually paid for by the insurers, meaning the costs are coming from the money you pay in premiums and taxes.

Walgreens said to be courting a former Cigna/Express Scripts executive to turn the company around

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 299 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Walgreens is interested in hiring a former executive from Cigna/Express Scripts to help improve its business. They want someone with experience in pharmacy benefits to boost their competitiveness.
  2. Cigna has been fined $172 million for misleading the government about patient diagnoses in their Medicare Advantage program. They were accused of inflating seriousness of conditions to receive more funding.
  3. The pharmacy benefit management market is controlled by a few big companies, and Walgreens needs to strengthen its position to compete effectively against other large players like CVS and Amazon.

Q1 2023: UnitedHealth Group made $27.8 billion from the drug supply chain; spent $3.5 billion buying back their own stock

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 539 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. UnitedHealth made a huge profit of $27.8 billion from the drug supply chain in just the first quarter of 2023. They also spent $3.5 billion buying back their own stock to increase value for shareholders.
  2. The company has dramatically increased its revenues and profits over the past decade, primarily from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Their pharmacy benefit manager, Optum Rx, has seen massive growth, capturing more money from patients.
  3. Despite their growth, the company's enrollment in commercial health plans has barely changed. Instead, more people are signing up for their Medicare Advantage plans, which suggests they are shifting focus to government-supported programs.

The Hidden Cost Of Unreliable Insurance

An Educated Guess • 290 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Jay Bhattacharya will help make America healthy again

The Dossier • 339 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Everything You Need to Know About H5N1 Bird Flu

OK Doomer • 245 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

The lunacy of 340B and Medicare’s inability to negotiate drug prices

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Medicare can't negotiate drug prices, which means taxpayers often pay more than necessary for medicines. It doesn't seem fair that businesses get better deals than we do.
  2. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was created to help hospitals get lower drug prices, but it has grown too big and complicated. Now, many hospitals may be making more money from these discounts than they should.
  3. There is a lack of transparency regarding how much hospitals charge for drugs compared to their purchase prices. This raises concerns about fairness and accountability in the healthcare system.

Hello online universe!

Extropic Thoughts • 157 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Healthcare policy
  1. The author brings a unique perspective as a transhumanist with a background in cryonics and philosophy.
  2. Expect diverse topics like life extension, technology acceleration, and future commentary.
  3. The blog will feature regular updates, with a mix of longer and shorter posts.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Aug 4

Force of Infection • 59 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. COVID-19 cases are increasing as we approach the school season, with more people testing positive and higher wastewater levels showing the virus's presence.
  2. For respiratory illnesses like flu, we're seeing very low activity levels across all age groups, which is encouraging for now.
  3. While COVID-19 hospitalizations are still low, emergency department visits are slightly rising, so it's important to stay alert.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 17

Force of Infection • 152 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Optimism of the will

Comment is Freed • 66 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. The new NHS plan is ambitious but lacks clear steps on how to achieve its goals. It has many ideas but doesn't explain how to address current problems or fund the changes.
  2. There is a trend in the plan to shift healthcare services into local centers, but this has been tried before without success. The history of similar proposals is not properly considered.
  3. While it's good to be optimistic about making changes, ignoring the real challenges and barriers can lead to problems. It's important to balance hope with a realistic understanding of obstacles.

What does RFK Jr mean for healthcare?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 176 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. RFK Jr. could be pushed out of the healthcare conversation because he is anti-corporation. Many pharmaceutical companies might not want him involved due to his stance.
  2. He wants to change how vaccine makers are protected from lawsuits, suggesting they should face accountability like other drug companies. This could lead to better safety practices in vaccines.
  3. The current healthcare system is seen as corrupt and ineffective. There's a need for deeper reforms and better studies to ensure drug and vaccine safety.

The Chicken Little Problem: Are We About to Have a Bird Flu Pandemic, or Not?

OK Doomer • 136 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.