The hottest Insurance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Construction Physics 8351 implied HN points 15 Feb 25
  1. California is facing a homeowners insurance crisis, with the state relying on private insurers for a bailout to support its last-resort fire insurance, leading to increased costs for homeowners.
  2. Tech companies are vastly increasing their investments in AI data centers, with major players like Microsoft and Google planning to spend over $215 billion combined this fiscal year.
  3. Tesla is seeing a decline in sales both in Europe and the US, which may be linked to public perception of Elon Musk and his influence on politics.
Construction Physics 35493 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Homeowners insurance costs have risen a lot over the past years, with a 33% average increase between 2020 and 2023. This has made it tough for many to afford insurance, leading some to rely on state-backed options.
  2. While rising construction costs and home sizes explain part of the increase, climate change and more frequent severe weather events are likely major factors driving up insurance prices further.
  3. Interestingly, even though some types of damage have become less frequent, the cost to repair them has increased, particularly for wind, hail, and water damage, which contribute significantly to higher insurance losses.
Noahpinion 30118 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. Wildfires are getting more common, and insurance companies can't keep up. When too many people claim losses at once, some might not get paid.
  2. Climate change is making wildfires worse, but we can't change it overnight. It's a big issue that affects fire patterns.
  3. We really need to prepare for wildfires better than before because they are becoming more frequent and damaging. Improving forest management and regulations is crucial.
Net Interest 5 implied HN points 21 Feb 25
  1. Hurricane Andrew changed how insurers think about risks. They realized they needed better coverage and to assess risk differently.
  2. Catastrophe bonds, or cat bonds, became popular after Hurricane Andrew. They allow investors to earn interest while helping insurers cover major losses.
  3. Today, cat bonds are expanding into retail markets, making them accessible to everyday investors. They have shown good returns, even as disasters become more frequent.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 559 implied HN points 24 Sep 24
  1. Universal primary care is important because everyone needs it, even healthy people. It helps with routine illnesses and preventive care.
  2. Primary care is cost-effective, making up a small part of total healthcare spending but providing great health benefits. Investing in primary care can save money in the long run.
  3. Starting with universal primary care could be a smart first step toward broader healthcare reform. It might gain more political support and lead to better health outcomes for everyone.
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The Honest Broker Newsletter 2718 implied HN points 12 Jan 25
  1. In 2024, global weather-related disaster losses reached $298 billion, with a significant portion occurring in the U.S., mainly due to hurricanes. This shows that while climate change impacts us, other factors like economic growth also play a big role.
  2. Today, disaster losses as a percentage of global GDP are less than they were 30 years ago. This suggests that despite increasing losses in dollars, extreme weather is not as devastating to the economy as it used to be.
  3. The rising insured losses are largely driven by construction in risky areas and inflation, rather than just climate change. It's important to consider these factors when looking at why disaster losses are increasing.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 955 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. Health advice that seems extreme or unattainable can push regular people away. It's important to give advice that feels realistic and achievable.
  2. Personal experiences with illness can be heavily influenced by socioeconomic status. Financial worries about healthcare can be a barrier to education and opportunities.
  3. Policies like the Affordable Care Act can make a big difference for people with preexisting conditions. They can open doors for education and better health insurance options.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 1199 implied HN points 03 Sep 24
  1. Health insurers use a measurement called the medical loss ratio (MLR) to determine how much of your premiums go to actual medical care versus overhead costs. They should spend at least 80-85% on care, but many find sneaky ways to get around this.
  2. Big insurance companies manipulate what counts as 'quality improvement' to make it look like they're spending more on healthcare than they actually are. They might include things like software upgrades or marketing instead of just patient care.
  3. By buying up doctors' offices and clinics, insurers can steer patients to their own services without MLR rules applying. This way, they keep more money for themselves instead of lowering premiums or improving coverage for you.
Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter 18512 implied HN points 05 Dec 24
  1. People are really angry at insurance executives because they feel these leaders cause a lot of suffering by denying necessary healthcare. It's common for them to wish these executives faced the same pain they see others go through.
  2. Many people believe the healthcare system in the U.S. is broken and that executives profit while patients suffer. This has led to outrage, and some even make jokes or comments about violent retribution, which reflects their frustration.
  3. The media often focuses on the reactions to these comments instead of addressing the real issues within the healthcare system. Many individuals want change and accountability from those in power rather than violence.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 599 implied HN points 05 Sep 24
  1. The movie 'The Deliverance' highlights the struggles of a family facing both a demonic presence and real-life issues with the U.S. healthcare system. It shows how complicated and scary healthcare can feel for many families.
  2. Many healthcare providers are dropping Medicaid patients, making it harder for those in need to find care. The film illustrates the true horror of loved ones having to pay medical bills out-of-pocket when Medicaid support is unavailable.
  3. Medical debt is a serious problem in the U.S., affecting countless families. The film ends with the family battling real financial burdens, reminding viewers that there's no easy fix for medical bills.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 579 implied HN points 29 Aug 24
  1. Project 2025 wants to make Medicare Advantage the main choice for people, but this could limit their healthcare options. Instead of giving patients more freedom, it may hand over more control to companies.
  2. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare could become harder, which may trap people in plans that aren't right for them. This can lead to worse care for those who are sick.
  3. The changes could cost taxpayers billions and weaken Medicare's financial health. Instead of saving money, it might enrich insurance companies while jeopardizing the Medicare program's future.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 1139 implied HN points 08 Aug 24
  1. Many seniors using Medicare Advantage may soon face tough choices as big companies like Aetna and Humana say their plans aren't as profitable as expected. This could lead to changes that affect healthcare access and costs for those enrolled.
  2. As these companies look to boost profits, they may increase scrutiny on medical claims and require more approvals for treatments. This means patients could find it harder to get the care they need.
  3. Some seniors might end up losing their Medicare Advantage plans entirely, forcing them into new plans with less coverage and higher costs. This shift could leave many feeling trapped and worried about their healthcare options.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 659 implied HN points 23 Aug 24
  1. The Democratic Party wants to expand healthcare benefits so that everyone can afford their medications, even those without insurance.
  2. Many people have gaps in their health coverage, which can be dangerous if they rely on medications like insulin.
  3. Including everyone in cost caps for medications can help prevent medical debt and save lives by ensuring people have access to necessary treatments.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 1059 implied HN points 07 Aug 24
  1. Governor Tim Walz has worked to make healthcare more accessible in Minnesota, leading to a drop in the uninsured rate. This means more people are getting the healthcare they need.
  2. Walz supports a public option for healthcare which aims to provide more choices and better coverage for citizens. This effort shows his commitment to improving the healthcare system.
  3. He is focused on reducing medical debt and drug costs, making healthcare fairer for everyone. His efforts include laws that help ensure people can access necessary care without financial worry.
Chartbook 314 implied HN points 18 Jan 25
  1. High tariffs imposed by Donald Trump can be seen positively by some who believe it helps protect American jobs.
  2. Interactions between the President and the Federal Reserve are crucial for understanding economic policies.
  3. Reinsurance companies are finding ways to reduce their risks from wildfires, showing how the industry is adapting to climate challenges.
Chartbook 300 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. America is facing a serious insurance crisis, especially in areas that are prone to disasters.
  2. More people are experiencing homelessness in the US than ever before.
  3. China is constructing a massive dam in the Himalayas, raising concerns and questions about its impact.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 319 implied HN points 22 Aug 24
  1. Bill Pascrell was a strong fighter for healthcare reform, especially during the Affordable Care Act debates. He believed everyone deserves access to healthcare.
  2. He worked tirelessly for first responders and survivors after 9/11, making sure they got the medical support they needed. His efforts led to important legislation for their care.
  3. Pascrell's legacy shows us the importance of standing up against powerful interests in healthcare. His commitment inspires others to continue fighting for a fair healthcare system.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 699 implied HN points 23 Jul 24
  1. South Park humorously shows how hard it is to get health insurance to pay for needed treatments. This reflects the frustrating challenges many people face with their own health insurance.
  2. Prior authorization is a process where insurance companies require approval before covering treatments or medications. This can delay care and even lead people to give up on getting the help they need.
  3. Many doctors and healthcare workers are overwhelmed by the amount of time spent dealing with insurance approvals. This adds costs to the healthcare system and can negatively impact patient outcomes.
The Chris Hedges Report 719 implied HN points 05 Dec 24
  1. The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was recently killed, sparking questions about possible motives related to healthcare policies and insurance denials.
  2. In the U.S., healthcare spending is highest among wealthy countries, but health outcomes are among the worst, with many people facing financial ruin due to medical bills.
  3. The business practices of health insurance companies are criticized for prioritizing profits over patient care, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and death.
Software Design: Tidy First? 1391 implied HN points 25 Oct 24
  1. Insurance is meant to convert risks into opportunities, allowing people to buy homes and start businesses by protecting lenders against losses. But it's complicated when companies only want to insure low-risk customers.
  2. Insurance companies often cut back on the risks they cover to stay competitive and offer lower prices, which means they might not support those in need, like entrepreneurs with health issues.
  3. For insurance to work as it should, companies need to stop focusing solely on low-risk clients. They should start covering real people, including those who are a bit riskier, to provide the societal benefits that insurance was originally designed for.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 759 implied HN points 19 Jun 24
  1. Insurance companies and private equity firms are teaming up to gain more control over healthcare access for Americans. This partnership can lead to less competition and more power in deciding patient care.
  2. The trend of private equity buying up medical practices is rising, and this shift could make it harder for independent doctors to operate. Insurance companies are noticing this and are looking to profit from these partnerships.
  3. As more people enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, insurers like CVS/Aetna are pushing to own key healthcare services. This could steer patient referrals to their own facilities, limiting choices for patients.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 839 implied HN points 10 Jun 24
  1. Working in managed care, the focus is often on lowering costs rather than ensuring quality care. This can make it hard for executives to feel good about their roles.
  2. A turning point in his career came when a doctor reminded him of the real people affected by profit-driven decisions. It made him reevaluate his path.
  3. Leaving the for-profit insurance world was tough financially, but it became the best career choice for him. He now helps doctors get fair contracts and values the work he does.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 999 implied HN points 28 May 24
  1. Medicare is spending around $64 billion on extra benefits for Medicare Advantage plans, like dental and vision care. But we don't really know if people are actually using these benefits.
  2. Many seniors are drawn to Medicare Advantage plans for these added perks, but some end up losing access to their preferred doctors. It's important to understand what you're giving up when switching plans.
  3. There's a growing call to improve how Medicare Advantage plans operate and to provide similar benefits to those in traditional Medicare. Everyone should have access to the same quality of care and benefits.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 115 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. 1. Understanding Economic Issues: The text discusses the idea that many problems in society are linked to economic misunderstandings and a lack of effective communication in the management of public services. It highlights the need for better systems to gather and process information for effective governance.
  2. 2. The Role of Government: It emphasizes that a government's primary job isn't just to keep people safe, but to empower them and solve crises effectively. Officials should focus on actual disaster management rather than just maintaining the appearance of control.
  3. 3. Challenges of Modern Technology: There is a critique of how tech companies like Facebook are operating without a long-term vision, which affects user experiences negatively. The discussion invites us to think about how technology can be used to improve our understanding and utilization of information.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 659 implied HN points 17 Jun 24
  1. A health insurance company known for misleading advertising has shut down after reports revealed their shady practices. This is good news for Medicare and its beneficiaries.
  2. The government made new rules to protect seniors from aggressive marketing tactics that this company used. These changes likely contributed to the company's downfall.
  3. Even though the company is gone, there's still a problem with how commissions are set up, which may still push seniors towards less beneficial Medicare plans.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 739 implied HN points 05 Jun 24
  1. Many seniors using Medicare Advantage plans face serious obstacles, like having limited access to doctors. This can lead to long travel times and difficulties in getting proper care.
  2. These plans often require a lot of extra steps to approve treatments, causing frustrating delays for patients in need of immediate attention. It can take weeks or months to get the care they need.
  3. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare can be tricky and risky. Many people may find they can’t get the additional coverage they need after becoming sick, thus leaving them stuck in a difficult situation.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 1498 implied HN points 05 Apr 24
  1. Medicare Advantage companies are struggling as Wall Street is disappointed with payment increases from the government. The payment increase for 2025 was lower than what these companies wanted.
  2. Insurers like Humana and UnitedHealth have seen their stock prices drop significantly, losing billions in market value. This fall has been alarming to investors who were used to seeing these companies perform well.
  3. The Medicare Advantage sector may look to influence politics by supporting candidates who favor their interests. Companies are likely to invest heavily in campaigns to get more favorable treatment in the future.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 259 implied HN points 30 Jul 24
  1. Medicare has helped millions of seniors access health care since it started 59 years ago. It was created to ensure older people could get medical services without going broke.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans, run by private companies, often cause more problems than they solve. They can lead to higher costs and less access to care for seniors.
  3. Big health insurers are getting extra money from the government through Medicare Advantage, which is hurting the traditional Medicare system. Regulators are now starting to pay attention and could help protect this important program.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 919 implied HN points 13 May 24
  1. CVS Health is under pressure to boost profits, which may lead to reduced coverage for Medicare Advantage plans. This means people might not get the treatments their doctors recommend.
  2. Expect higher premiums and limited benefits as CVS plans to adjust its Medicare offerings to make more money. Many seniors could find themselves losing access to necessary care.
  3. The changes happening now in Medicare Advantage could disrupt healthcare for many. Once someone is dropped from these plans, it can be tough for them to find affordable alternatives.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 859 implied HN points 16 May 24
  1. CVS executives are under pressure from investors after a bad financial report. This has caused them to make changes that could negatively affect patient care.
  2. The company plans to cut benefits and possibly remove around 420,000 Medicare members to improve profits. This decision could leave many people without needed healthcare.
  3. Insurers like Aetna are prioritizing stock performance over patient welfare. This focus on profits may mean that people struggle to get the medical services they need.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 1019 implied HN points 30 Apr 24
  1. Health insurers are overcharging Medicare by about 22%, costing taxpayers a lot more than if seniors received care directly from traditional Medicare.
  2. Recent reports highlight how private Medicare Advantage plans have historically not saved money and often result in higher overall costs for the program.
  3. The media is beginning to spotlight the negative impacts of Medicare Advantage, leading to more scrutiny and awareness about how these plans operate.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 53 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Watching a video about the Bel Air Fire of 1961 can give you insight into historical events and their impacts. It's important to learn from past events to understand current issues better.
  2. Insurance costs for properties are changing and it's something to keep an eye on. Rising costs can affect how we plan our finances when it comes to home and property.
  3. Subscribing to informative newsletters can lead to valuable knowledge. Engaging with these types of content can help you stay updated and informed.
In My Tribe 1002 implied HN points 17 Dec 24
  1. A big reason we spend so much on healthcare is that we often get expensive tests and procedures that don't help us much.
  2. Simply making more people eligible for Medicare won't fix the problem of overspending in healthcare.
  3. Many people like to think that healthcare costs are high because of greedy doctors or insurance companies, but that's not the main reason.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 559 implied HN points 30 May 24
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are getting a lot of positive coverage, but they can have significant downsides that aren't being reported. Many seniors might not understand the risks involved with these plans.
  2. Recent changes in funding might lead to reduced benefits for seniors using Medicare Advantage. This could mean higher costs or lower quality care as insurers respond to cuts.
  3. Some experts believe Medicare Advantage plans are overstated and actually cost the Medicare system more. Seniors are encouraged to consider traditional Medicare options with supplemental plans for better coverage.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 839 implied HN points 22 Apr 24
  1. Disintermediation is happening in healthcare, meaning companies are finding ways to cut out big insurance middlemen. This change could reduce costs and improve care for many people.
  2. More employers are realizing they can avoid high premiums and complicated contracts by exploring alternatives to traditional insurance. This shift is slowly gaining attention but is crucial for workers and their health benefits.
  3. Greed often drives healthcare costs up, but there are others working hard to find better solutions. The focus is now on supporting those who are challenging the status quo to make healthcare more affordable.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 759 implied HN points 29 Apr 24
  1. Cigna employees in the Philippines are involved in deciding whether American patients can receive the care they need. This raises concerns about how patient care is managed far away from the actual doctors.
  2. Cigna medical directors spend an average of just four minutes reviewing complex medical cases. This quick decision-making means important health choices may not get the attention they deserve.
  3. There is pressure within Cigna to deny treatment requests quickly, which can put patients at risk. Employees feel forced to prioritize speed over the quality of care.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 499 implied HN points 23 May 24
  1. Insurers buying doctor practices is a big problem. When insurance companies own the doctors, it creates a conflict of interest and can limit patient choices.
  2. The connection between insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is concerning. This merger can hurt small pharmacies and affect how patients access medications.
  3. Prior authorization is making it harder for patients to get necessary care. Insurance companies use this process to delay or deny treatments, which can lead to serious health risks.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 779 implied HN points 25 Mar 24
  1. The federal government will soon decide how much money to give private health insurers running Medicare Advantage, affecting millions of seniors' healthcare options.
  2. Many reports are showing that Medicare Advantage plans may not be as beneficial as claimed, often leading to overcharging taxpayers.
  3. More groups are speaking out against the industry's tactics this year, pushing back against pressures to increase funds for these insurance companies.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 619 implied HN points 16 Apr 24
  1. UnitedHealth Group made $8.5 billion in profits in the first quarter of 2024, showing strong financial growth despite recent challenges. Their revenues have tripled over the last decade, indicating a significant increase in business.
  2. A big part of their success comes from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, where enrollment has jumped in recent years. This growth has helped them dominate the market alongside a few other large competitors.
  3. Despite their financial success, many healthcare providers are struggling due to a cyberattack on a subsidiary. Advocates are concerned that profit-focused practices may lead to patients not receiving necessary care.