The hottest Healthcare policy Substack posts right now

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

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 23

Force of Infection • 85 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Healthcare policy Disease Prevention Health Education
  1. Flu season is picking up, with more people visiting doctors for symptoms like fever and cough. Younger kids are seeing higher rates of flu, but older adults face the biggest risks.
  2. COVID-19 is on the rise again, especially in the Midwest, as wastewater and test positivity rates increase. People should stay cautious during the holidays.
  3. RSV cases are also climbing, with infants and older adults being especially at risk. It's important to be careful during gatherings with people of different ages.

Covid Situation Report: Jun 6, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 219 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Vaccination Infectious Diseases 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.

What does RFK Jr mean for healthcare?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 176 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Public Health Pharmaceuticals Vaccine Mandates Regulatory issues
  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.

Americans Had Two Decades to Ditch Dr. Oz. Now He's in Charge.

OK Doomer • 151 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Public Health Media influence Political Commentary
  1. Dr. Oz has been appointed to oversee Medicare and Medicaid, which could negatively impact millions of Americans. His history of promoting questionable health products raises concerns about his leadership.
  2. There is a risk that Dr. Oz will push for privatized Medicare and Medicaid, potentially resulting in millions losing their healthcare coverage. This approach contrasts with the desire for universal healthcare access.
  3. Dr. Oz's past comments and actions suggest he prioritizes profits over people's health, and this pattern may continue in his new role. His decisions could affect the well-being of vulnerable populations, especially low-income families and seniors.

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 Insurance Issues Regulatory Affairs
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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 Lobbying Regulation Campaign Finance
  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 Insurance Industry Regulatory Affairs Market Trends
  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 Medicare Insurance Patient rights
  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 Insurance Practices
  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.

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 Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy Chronic Illness Health Research
  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 Public Health Epidemiology Healthcare policy Chronic Illness Health Inequality
  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 Public Health COVID-19 Healthcare policy Epidemiology Disease Prevention
  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 Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Healthcare policy Disease Control
  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 Public Health Vaccination Infectious Disease Epidemiology 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.

More suggestions for FDA reform for a Trump presidency

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 98 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Regulatory Affairs Healthcare policy Scientific Integrity
  1. The FDA should stop allowing pharmaceutical companies to advertise directly to consumers. This could help reduce biased promotion of drugs.
  2. It's important to improve transparency in the FDA's decision-making process and ensure that medical advice is based on solid evidence.
  3. We need better oversight of the fees the FDA charges for reviews so that smaller businesses aren't unfairly priced out, and more funding should go into tracking the safety of drugs after they are approved.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 11, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 199 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination 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 Insurance Industry Corporate Influence Public Health Economic Impact
  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.

What lessons can we learn from the Autumn Booster Campaign?

Independent SAGE continues • 179 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Epidemiology 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 Medical Debt Legislation Insurance Economic Impact
  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.

Covid Situation Report: Apr 4, 2024

Independent SAGE continues • 139 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health COVID-19 Healthcare policy Disease Control Vaccination
  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.

Free lecture in San Diego - How to read trials

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 40 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Medical Ethics Pharmaceuticals Healthcare policy Patient Advocacy
  1. There is a free lecture in San Diego about reading trials. It's a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn how to understand trial results.
  2. The lecture is unique because it is not funded by pharmaceutical companies. This might give a more unbiased view on the information being discussed.
  3. Attending this lecture could help people become more knowledgeable about medical studies. It's a chance to ask questions and get clarity on trial data.

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 Insurance Industry Pharmaceuticals Public Health
  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.

Who Needs RFK Jr. When We've Already Got a Corrupt CDC?

OK Doomer • 34 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Healthcare policy Misinformation
  1. The CDC has not recommended N95 respirators for healthcare, which many experts believe is a mistake. This decision could put people’s health at risk during airborne illness outbreaks.
  2. A key committee at the CDC seems to have ignored advice from experts in aerosols and has not been listening to public health concerns. This lack of attention to scientific evidence is worrying.
  3. Only one member from the committee stood up for N95 masks during the meeting, highlighting a lack of support for stronger protective measures. It's important for health decisions to be made based on science and safety.

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 Pharmaceuticals Insurance Regulations Corporate strategy
  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 Pharmaceuticals Insurance Industry Government programs Patient Advocacy
  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.

Regional editions begin Oct 28

Force of Infection • 36 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Prevention Healthcare policy Community health
  1. Starting October 28, 2024, there will be regional editions of the Outbreak Outlook newsletter for better local information about illnesses.
  2. Paid subscribers can choose to receive updates specific to their region, while free subscribers will still get national updates.
  3. Each regional edition will provide local insights on illnesses like flu and COVID-19, tailored to specific states.

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 Medicare Pharmaceuticals Public Health
  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.

On the deep crisis in American medicine - and the broad societal anger and cynicism it is driving

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Public Health Patient rights Healthcare policy
  1. Healthcare costs in America are extremely high, and many people struggle to pay bills despite spending so much on health services.
  2. The quality of American healthcare outcomes is lagging behind other countries, with lower life expectancy and other health issues.
  3. Many people feel distrustful and frustrated with the healthcare system, believing it often prioritizes profit over patient care.

A (Draft) Blueprint for the Reorganization of the FDA

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Regulatory Policy Healthcare policy Chronic Disease
  1. The FDA needs major changes to work better for public health. This involves improving transparency, reducing conflicts of interest, and focusing on its core mission of safety.
  2. A complete reorganization could help the FDA better respond to health issues in America and support local farmers while reducing the influence of big corporations.
  3. Revising laws and regulations can help increase the FDA's efficiency, making sure it promotes innovation in medicine while keeping the public safe from harmful products.

NYC Mayor Adam wants to move retirees into so-called Medicare Advantage plans. See my testimony against it.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Public Health Political Advocacy
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are not truly Medicare, and they don't really benefit many people. These plans are designed more for profit than for helping retirees.
  2. Insurers are making a lot of money by making Medicare Advantage plans look better than they really are. They're getting extra tax dollars because they claim people are sicker than they are.
  3. The move to push retirees into these plans will primarily help insurance companies earn more money, not improve the health of retirees. This decision can hurt many people financially.

Who should be our next FDA Commissioner?

More is Different • 8 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy FDA Regulation Public Health Government Appointments
  1. Dr. Joseph Gulfo believes the FDA should focus on fast-tracking safe and effective treatments instead of just protecting public health. He says this can help bring more innovative drugs to patients who need them.
  2. Balaji Srinivasan thinks the FDA's rules need to change so it can evaluate drugs and treatments better. He suggests creating new centers at universities to find smarter ways to approve medical products.
  3. Jim O'Neill has some government experience but may not be as strong as the other candidates. People are unsure about his past and whether he can lead the FDA effectively.

UnitedHealth Group's 2022 Earnings are in, PBM Optum outperforms health insurance division

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Pharmacy Benefits Profit Margins
  1. UnitedHealth Group's pharmacy benefit manager, Optum, is now making more profits than its health insurance division. This shows a big shift in how these companies are making money.
  2. Over the past decade, Optum has seen huge growth in both revenue and profits, while the health insurance side has not grown as fast. This tells us where the real money is for these companies now.
  3. Many major companies, like Cigna and CVS, are also finding their profits mainly from managing drug supplies instead of just selling health insurance. This shows a trend in the healthcare industry where drug supply roles are becoming more profitable.

Hospitals are not hiding Covid cases. There really isn't much Covid around right now. Be wary of those who say otherwise.

Independent SAGE continues • 19 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Data interpretation Vaccine Efficacy Healthcare policy
  1. Currently, there are low levels of Covid in hospitals and the community. The data suggest that the situation is better than many people think.
  2. Some claims about high Covid cases and hospitalizations are misleading. It's important to examine the evidence and context behind those claims.
  3. Overall, the chances of getting severely sick from Covid are much lower now than before, thanks largely to vaccinations and improved immunity.

Judge halts New York City's plan to redirect tax dollars to private health insurance companies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Issues Medicare Public Health
  1. A judge stopped New York City's plan to move municipal retirees into private Medicare Advantage plans. This decision allows them to stay in traditional Medicare without facing penalties.
  2. The city's plan aimed to save $600 million by pushing retirees into private insurance options, but this would have burdened taxpayers across the country. The plan depended on federal subsidies to work.
  3. There are concerns about Medicare Advantage plans, as they can limit access to necessary care and lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for retirees. Many believe that staying in traditional Medicare is safer and more reliable for their health needs.

What I'm reading in health care this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Issues Patient Care
  1. Doctors are facing a lot more claim denials this year, which is making their jobs harder and causing burnout. There's a push from healthcare providers for the government to change the rules around prior authorizations to help ease this burden.
  2. Patients with diabetes are struggling when companies switch them to high-deductible health plans. These plans can increase the chances of serious health issues and financial troubles for patients who need regular care.
  3. The government is looking closely at Medicare Advantage plans due to concerns about overpayments to insurers. Changes could be on the way that would affect how these plans operate and the money insurers can make from them.

IT'S JUST SPIN: UnitedHealth Group touts out-of-pocket savings that patients will never see.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Public Health Pharmaceuticals Healthcare Costs
  1. Only a small percentage of UnitedHealth policyholders will actually benefit from announced out-of-pocket savings, making the impact very limited.
  2. The company's marketing creates a misleading impression that many will save money, but most won't qualify for these benefits.
  3. UnitedHealth seems more focused on boosting profits and shareholder returns than on genuinely helping patients with affordable medications.

Vaccine adverse events, including death, are grossly under-reported

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Drug Safety Healthcare policy
  1. A lot of serious adverse events from vaccines, including deaths, aren’t reported. This makes it hard to see the true effects of vaccines.
  2. Studies show that healthcare professionals often don’t report adverse drug reactions. The underreporting rate is really high, often around 90%.
  3. Many reasons lead to underreporting, like doctors thinking only serious issues need reporting or feeling unsure about whether an event is related to a vaccine.

These two helped get us into the health care mess we're in. Maybe they can help get us out.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medical Debt Consumerism Public Health
  1. High-deductible health plans make people avoid necessary care because they can't afford the out-of-pocket costs. This leads many to skip doctor visits and medications.
  2. Many Americans with insurance are still facing financial struggles, often leading to medical debt and even bankruptcy. This happens because their insurance doesn't cover enough of their medical expenses.
  3. Healthcare executives need to rethink their strategies. The current focus on 'consumerism' has created serious problems for patients, pushing many to choose between essential care and basic living expenses.