The hottest Healthcare policy Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

My video comment letter on FTC meeting today regarding PBM business practices

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 17 Feb 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Health Insurance Pharmaceuticals Public Health Consumer Advocacy
  1. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are having a big impact on drug prices and people's ability to afford medications. Many Americans are struggling with high out-of-pocket costs and can't pick up their prescriptions.
  2. Big companies like UnitedHealth, CVS Health, and Cigna dominate the PBM market and have merged with health insurers. This has led to higher deductibles and premiums, putting families in financial trouble, even as these companies are making huge profits.
  3. The practices of these large PBMs can hurt independent pharmacies and might not benefit consumers. There is a call to investigate how these companies operate and how their actions affect patients and healthcare costs.

Here is what you need to know in healthcare this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 27 May 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Issues Pharmaceuticals Patient Advocacy Medicare
  1. Big Insurance companies have gotten very powerful and can make it hard for patients to get the care they need. They create many barriers, like high costs and complex approvals.
  2. Some healthcare organizations that once supported Big Insurance are now worried about its growing power and are asking the government to step in. They realize their previous choices contributed to the problem.
  3. Legislation is being introduced to limit the influence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and ensure patients have better access to medications. More people are speaking out about the negative impacts of PBMs on drug costs.

The US Nursing home data shows the IFR skyrocketed after vaccine rollout. It was supposed to do the opposite.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination COVID-19 Elderly Care Healthcare policy
  1. The data from US nursing homes showed a significant increase in infection fatality rates (IFR) after the COVID vaccine was rolled out, contradicting expectations that the vaccine would lower these rates.
  2. Vaccines did help reduce severe disease in elderly individuals, but their overall impact on reducing infections and transmission was limited, especially with new variants.
  3. Studies suggested that vaccinated nursing home residents had lower mortality rates compared to unvaccinated ones, but the claims about the effectiveness of the vaccine in reducing deaths remain debated.

Despite well-funded opposition, momentum for dental therapy continues (and Americans are already benefiting)

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Dental care Healthcare policy Public Health Advocacy
  1. Dental therapists are similar to nurse practitioners and help with tasks like cleanings and fillings. They have been around for over 100 years in other countries.
  2. Many states in the U.S. are now allowing dental therapists to practice due to a shortage of dentists and the lack of access to dental care for many people.
  3. The movement for dental therapy started in Alaska and has grown across the country with support from various organizations, helping people get the dental care they need.

Long COVID – a dystopian game of pinball

Independent SAGE continues • 1 HN point • 01 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Chronic Illness COVID-19 Medical Research Healthcare policy
  1. Long COVID can make people very sick for months or even years after they initially recover from COVID-19. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathing problems can really affect daily life.
  2. There isn't a simple test to diagnose Long COVID, which can lead to people doubting its seriousness. However, it's a complex condition that can affect many different parts of the body.
  3. To help prevent Long COVID, it's important to get vaccinated, avoid crowded places, and take care of yourself if you do get COVID-19. Rest and anti-viral medications can help with recovery.
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80% of UnitedHealthcare’s growth is coming from Uncle Sam.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Government programs Medicare Advantage Insurance Industry
  1. Most of UnitedHealthcare's growth, about 80%, comes from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This shows how much the company relies on taxpayer money.
  2. Since the Affordable Care Act, UnitedHealthcare has shifted from individual customers to mainly serving Medicare and Medicaid patients. This change has helped them grow significantly in the last decade.
  3. Private insurance revenue has only seen modest growth, while government revenue has tripled. This trend raises concerns about the privatization of Medicare and how it affects overall healthcare.

Manchin: "[West Virginians] live within their means." In reality, the state is #1 in medical debt collections.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 99 implied HN points • 04 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Economic Policy Social programs Legislation
  1. West Virginia has serious issues with medical debt, leading the nation in collections. This showcases the struggles many residents face in affording healthcare.
  2. Capping out-of-pocket costs for Medicare recipients could really help people in West Virginia. It would make medications more accessible for those who are struggling financially.
  3. Senator Manchin's views do not reflect the reality of many West Virginians. People are trying hard to manage their finances but find it tough due to high medical and living costs.

UnitedHealthcare is caught in a PR nightmare. Here’s what they did and how it'll soon be your nightmare.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 59 implied HN points • 24 Jun 21
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Issues Public Health Patient Advocacy
  1. UnitedHealthcare plans to deny ER claims if their nurses decide patients weren't sick enough. This could leave many with unexpected bills after emergencies.
  2. The company's recent policy change sparked a major public relations crisis, leading to widespread backlash from doctors and healthcare organizations.
  3. Despite delaying the policy for now, UnitedHealthcare may implement it later, risking patient safety and putting profits over care.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 161 - Drs. Angus Dalgleish and William Makis - DNA Contamination and the Cancer Connection

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Safety Public Health Cancer Research COVID-19 Healthcare policy
  1. There will be a live discussion about a possible link between DNA contamination in the Pfizer vaccine and rising cancer rates, especially in younger people.
  2. Dr. Angus Dalgleish and Dr. William Makis will share their insights, including concerns about vaccine safety and new cancer treatments they are using.
  3. The event encourages people to mark their calendars and share the information widely, as it seeks to raise awareness on important health issues.

Three Ways the Next President Should Tackle Big Pharma

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 2 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Legislation Pharmaceuticals Government Accountability Public Health
  1. Repealing the PREP Act is necessary because it protects pharmaceutical companies from being sued for injuries caused by their drugs, which is unfair to those harmed. People who get hurt by vaccines or medicines should have the right to seek justice and compensation.
  2. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 needs to be repealed or changed because it creates barriers for families seeking help after vaccine-related injuries. Many petitions are dismissed, leaving those affected without proper support.
  3. The connection between Big Pharma and government roles needs to be closed so that industry can’t influence regulators. This 'revolving door' creates trust issues, as officials may prioritize industry interests over public health.

Biden's crackdown on monopolies gave a pass to health insurers when they should have been the focus.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Regulation Monopolies Political Accountability Consumer Rights
  1. Health insurers have grown a lot since 2008, with some now being among the largest companies in America. This is a big change that affects consumers' choices and costs.
  2. Despite the focus on hospitals and drug companies, health insurers haven't faced much scrutiny for rising costs. The current system allows insurers to raise prices without clear benefits for consumers.
  3. The idea of having real choices in health insurance is mostly a myth. Many people find they have limited options, especially if their employer decides their coverage.

Wendell Potter: I've been alive for 70 years. It is time for me to speak up like I never have before.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jun 21
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Issues Whistleblowing Advocacy Transparency
  1. Wendell Potter, a former health insurance executive, plans to reveal how health insurance companies operate and make decisions that affect people's lives. He aims to shed light on the industry’s practices and motivations.
  2. He emphasizes that he has changed his approach and now wants to share the truth after years of misleading customers for profit. Potter feels less fearful as he approaches his 70th birthday, motivating him to speak out more.
  3. Potter's experiences also include a personal journey, sharing stories from his life that influenced him, and inviting others to contribute their own insights about unethical practices in the industry.

CDC updates isolation guidance

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2 HN points • 05 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Healthcare policy Epidemiology Pandemic response
  1. CDC updated isolation guidance recommends staying home when sick until fever resolves for 24 hours and symptoms improve, then using caution for five days.
  2. There is a debate within public health about the updated guidance - some see it as a step back while others believe it simplifies virus prevention measures.
  3. The guidance update considers the decrease in community transmission, the contagious period, the types of viruses being irrelevant to actions, and the critical focus on reducing hospitalizations and deaths.

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 14 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Taxation Labor Market Economic Inequality
  1. Employer-sponsored insurance often makes healthcare more expensive and less efficient. It may force people to consume more healthcare than they actually want or need.
  2. The tax benefits for employer-sponsored insurance mostly help higher-income individuals. This system creates a financial burden for the government and doesn't fairly serve those who need help the most.
  3. Employer-sponsored insurance can trap people in their jobs, making it hard for them to retire or pursue better opportunities because they fear losing their health coverage.

My Dan Rather

My Home Office Hacks • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Consumer Rights
  1. Frank Lobb's work highlights how consumers shouldn't have to pay for healthcare costs that insurance doesn't cover. He argues that agreements between providers and insurers protect consumers from paying unexpected bills.
  2. If you receive a healthcare bill, you can ask for an explanation within 30 days, and you don't have to pay until you get that explanation in writing. This helps ensure fairness in healthcare billing.
  3. Starting a morning routine can be beneficial. Trying out the 5 AM Club, which includes exercise, meditation, and learning, can help you wake up refreshed and focused.

Ontario, a turn at being the worst

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Workplace Safety Preventative measures Public Health Healthcare policy
  1. Ontario is currently facing a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by new variants, particularly the B.1.1.7 or UK variant.
  2. The outbreak is primarily originating in workplaces that remain open, such as manufacturing factories and distribution centers, leading to high rates of infection.
  3. A proposed solution to counter the surge in cases is to mandate the use of N95 or better masks in all currently open workplaces in Ontario with more than 20-30 employees.