The hottest Healthcare policy Substack posts right now

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

Outbreak Outlook - National - July 21

Force of Infection • 47 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. COVID-19 cases are rising in some southern and western states like Texas, California, and Florida, despite being low in many areas. It's important to stay alert to the changes in these regions.
  2. Influenza-like illnesses have very low outpatient visits right now, which is typical for summer. Most states are seeing minimal activity for these illnesses.
  3. The summer COVID-19 wave is starting later this year, possibly due to a lighter winter season. It may peak later than usual, so keep an eye on the trends.
  4. ] }

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
  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.

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
  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.

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
  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.

A note from a pediatrician who supports the US vaccination schedule

Unreported Truths • 41 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Vaccines can prevent serious diseases that many people might not see anymore, but they can still be very harmful. It's important to remember how bad these diseases can be.
  2. The pediatrician believes that the COVID vaccine should be a choice for parents, not forced. He thinks the way the vaccine was pushed caused some people to trust vaccines less.
  3. He supports newer treatments like those for RSV but worries about their availability. Vaccines and treatments can save lives and reduce hospital visits for kids.
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Canada Is Losing The War On Measles

Marginally Compelling • 9 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Canada has lost measles elimination status because the virus has been spreading locally for over 12 months, so measles is now endemic there.
  2. The ongoing outbreaks seem to have started in undervaccinated, tight-knit communities (notably a Mennonite gathering) that seeded continuous transmission and occasional spillovers into the wider population.
  3. This shows how fragile disease control is and that high vaccination rates, strong surveillance, and targeted outreach are needed to prevent and contain wider outbreaks.

Outbreak Outlook - National - June 30

Force of Infection • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. A summer wave of COVID-19 is expected to start in July, even though current activity is low. It's important to stay aware and prepared for changes in the situation.
  2. Flu cases are very low right now, with minimal activity reported across all states. It seems like there's not much to worry about regarding flu-related illnesses at this moment.
  3. Hospitalization rates are also low, which is a good sign for overall health. There are only 0.4 hospitalizations per 100,000 people, indicating that things are currently stable.

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 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.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-14 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 23

Force of Infection • 85 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

More suggestions for FDA reform for a Trump presidency

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 98 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

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
  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
  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
  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.

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
  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.

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 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.

The $3.3M debate: Wilf fails to falsify KCOR's determination that the COVID vaccine caused net harm

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. The KCOR method shows that getting more COVID vaccine doses is linked to higher mortality rates. This suggests that the vaccines might have caused more harm than good for some people.
  2. The evidence from the Czech Republic's data is strong and consistent, showing a clear difference in mortality rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The methodology used in the analysis has been checked and found reliable.
  3. The debate over the COVID vaccine's effects may not fully consider the data. It's important for judges and decision-makers to focus on the evidence rather than get confused by complex arguments.

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
  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
  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.

Voices in Print

Force of Infection • 28 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

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 Healthcare policy
  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.

Free lecture in San Diego - How to read trials

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 40 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Analysis of the "Groundbreaking" Multiple Sclerosis Study

Tessa Fights Robots • 10 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Recent research on multiple sclerosis (MS) has generated interest but may not be as revolutionary as some claim. It's important to look at the details.
  2. The study connects MS to possible infectious triggers, which opens up new ways to think about neurological symptoms.
  3. Personal insights and discussions can help make sense of complex studies, and sharing perspectives can lead to better understanding.

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

OK Doomer • 34 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Long COVID – a dystopian game of pinball

Independent SAGE continues • 1 HN point • 01 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

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
  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.

Regional editions begin Oct 28

Force of Infection • 36 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

Unraveling Autism’s Surge

Who is Robert Malone • 11 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. Autism diagnoses are increasing, and this is believed to be due to broader diagnostic criteria, greater awareness, and social factors, rather than a single biological cause.
  2. Genetics play a big role in autism, but environmental factors also matter. Different influences might activate genetic risks, making each case unique.
  3. The rise in autism could be linked to changes in how we define and categorize the disorder, with some arguing that this shift might lead to over-diagnosis and misses the real needs of individuals.

"It's Not Covid, I Swear."

OK Doomer • 24 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  1. People often downplay their illness, saying it's not serious, like 'it's not Covid', which can be concerning.
  2. It's important to be mindful of hygiene, especially around others, to prevent spreading illness.
  3. Communication about health should be taken seriously, and it's okay to be worried if someone seems unwell.

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
  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.

A (Draft) Blueprint for the Reorganization of the FDA

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

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
  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.

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

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics 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.

Who should be our next FDA Commissioner?

More is Different • 8 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy
  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.

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 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.

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
  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
  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.

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
  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.

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 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.