The hottest Insurance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Doomberg 7567 implied HN points 01 Mar 26
  1. A major conflict in the Middle East has started and energy markets are likely to move sharply when futures trading opens tonight.
  2. Signs like a potential Strait of Hormuz shutdown and insurers pulling tanker coverage point to real supply risk, so energy prices will probably rise significantly.
  3. Markets act as real-time sensors that cut through social media noise, so watching prices and trading activity is the best way to infer what’s actually happening on the ground.
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.
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.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 1776 implied HN points 26 Jan 26
  1. Estimated annual catastrophe losses rose sharply in nominal dollars from 2020 to 2025, but much of that increase is driven by greater exposure — more construction and higher construction prices — rather than clear evidence of climate-driven loss growth.
  2. When losses are measured as a share of global GDP, weather-related disaster losses have not increased since 1990 and were below the long-term average in 2025.
  3. Different firms produce different loss totals and insured-loss numbers are more reliable than total loss estimates; to detect climate signals you should look at climate data rather than economic loss data, and keeping disaster impacts low will require continued effort.
Your Local Epidemiologist 1499 implied HN points 04 Feb 26
  1. Clinicians generally don’t profit from giving vaccines and often break even or lose money once you count vaccine purchase, staff time, storage, and low reimbursements.
  2. Claims that doctors get big per-shot payouts are misleading — quality bonuses are modest and not paid per vaccine, and drug companies legally cannot pay clinicians to push vaccines.
  3. Vaccine costs are mostly covered by insurers or government programs so families rarely pay out of pocket, and clinicians continue offering vaccines because they prevent disease despite financial strain on practices.
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Huddle Up 197 implied HN points 05 Mar 26
  1. Many healthy big-name MLB players are being kept out of the World Baseball Classic because the tournament requires their contracts to be insured and the broker is denying coverage for those with prior injuries, recent surgeries, older age, or large contracts.
  2. Two costly injuries in the 2023 WBC forced the insurer to tighten underwriting rules, creating strict red flags (like no coverage for players 37+, recent 60-day IL stints, or offseason surgeries) and a binary approve/deny process based on risk tiers.
  3. There are workable fixes — a capped FIFA-style program, a self-insured MLB/MLBPA fund, or moving the tournament window — but they would shift financial risk onto MLB or the union, and owners are unlikely to accept that given the WBC’s relatively small revenue and the need to protect guaranteed contracts.
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.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 3660 implied HN points 08 Dec 25
  1. Property/casualty insurers are earning record profits and strong underwriting gains, so the industry is financially healthy despite media claims of collapse.
  2. Underwriting returns swing up and down year-to-year but show no long-term trend, meaning insurers are not in a systemic underwriting crisis.
  3. A booming climate‑risk vendor industry produces wildly different risk models, and those uncertain assessments have helped justify big insurance rate hikes even though the direct climate-driven increase in losses appears small.
Construction Physics 18372 implied HN points 28 Jun 25
  1. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a 'mortgage blacklist' for condos that don't meet certain requirements, making it tough for owners to get loans.
  2. Many air traffic control facilities in the US are understaffed, which leads to delays and challenges in hiring and training new controllers.
  3. The Jones Act requires goods shipped between US ports to use American-built ships, which increases costs and has recently led to a new bill for transportation projects.
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.
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.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 2070 implied HN points 22 Dec 25
  1. The financial world reframed climate change as “climate risk” by tying it to extreme weather, but real-world trends in most extremes are unclear and rising disaster losses are mainly due to more people and assets in harm’s way.
  2. Framing risks as both physical and transition hazards gave finance a powerful, self-justifying way to push a global shift toward low‑carbon outcomes, and that pressure spread rapidly through businesses and governments with little consequence for exaggeration.
  3. Methods to quantify climate risk—scenario analyses and new proprietary models—are deeply flawed or outdated, yet regulatory demand created a large market for these unreliable products, so required disclosures tend to produce the very risks they claim to measure.
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.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 2227 implied HN points 15 Dec 25
  1. The financial sector framed a new category called "climate risk" and built a regulatory and commercial ecosystem around it, treating it as a novel systemic threat to global finance.
  2. That risk has been measured mainly by economic losses from extreme-weather events, which often mixes up rising damages with actual changes in weather rather than accounting for exposure and vulnerability.
  3. Financial actors argue historical climate data is a poor guide and have pushed new scenarios, models, and private vendors to quantify "climate risk," creating a large market influence despite questions about the scientific basis.
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.
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.
Slow Boring 10672 implied HN points 09 Jan 24
  1. Dentistry industry is poorly regulated and full of shady practices.
  2. Dental insurance can be problematic due to low coverage and pre-pay model.
  3. Dentists make a lot of money compared to other professions, and the industry lacks scientific evidence and ethics oversight.
The Honest Broker Newsletter 1315 implied HN points 12 Dec 25
  1. Insurance companies are making record profits even as headlines claim a climate-driven insurance crisis, and recent premium hikes seem driven in part by rules to account for “climate risk” and the growth of risk-modeling services.
  2. The issue presents data across many areas — dark oil tankers, moderates’ confidence in science, an energy skills gap, red-state/blue-state electricity price differences, southern-hemisphere wheat, and a comeback of climate-realist views.
  3. More analysis is coming, including a follow-up on insurance and climate and a ranked list of major climate-research scandals, and the full material is available to paying subscribers.
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.
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 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.
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.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 2940 implied HN points 28 Jul 25
  1. Private equity (PE) firms are increasingly buying into the life insurance and pension sectors, aiming to manage large pools of capital for investment. This can lead to potential financial instability for retirees relying on these funds.
  2. Pension Risk Transfers (PRTs) are a common practice where companies shift their pension responsibilities to insurance providers, which may impact the safety of pensioners' funds. This could leave retirees vulnerable if the providers fail.
  3. There is growing concern about how PE firms, focused on profits, may not prioritize the financial security of pensioners. Lawsuits are rising as retirees challenge the safety of their benefits after these transfers.
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.
Points And Figures 612 implied HN points 10 Dec 25
  1. Early-stage investing is as much about people as ideas. Backing founders early can pay off even if the initial product or market fails.
  2. The founders adapted after COVID destroyed their original ride-share insurance business, pivoted successfully, and raised follow-on VC. They also built a high-quality team and grew as leaders.
  3. Seel has scaled into major partnerships with big insurers and is hiring aggressively. They are addressing a massive market and look positioned for significant growth.
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.
Your Local Epidemiologist 2119 implied HN points 06 Aug 25
  1. This year, there is a lot of confusion around fall vaccines because key decisions that usually happen aren't taking place. Experts are worried this could affect how easily people can get vaccinated.
  2. The FDA hasn't made clear recommendations for the Covid-19 vaccine, and this could limit who gets access. Many people might have a harder time getting the vaccine than in previous years.
  3. Although some vaccines are ready, there's still uncertainty about who will be eligible and whether insurers will cover the costs for everyone. Staying informed and advocating for yourself and others is important.
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.
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.
Your Local Epidemiologist 1849 implied HN points 09 Jul 25
  1. Congress has made huge cuts to Medicaid, which provides health insurance to many low-income Americans. These changes could lead to millions losing their coverage and could harm vulnerable communities.
  2. Medicaid cuts involve stricter work requirements and more paperwork, making it harder for people to keep their insurance. Many who already work might still lose coverage due to this added complexity.
  3. The changes will particularly hurt hospitals and nursing homes, especially in rural areas, as they rely heavily on Medicaid funding. This could lead to more uninsured people and even hospital closures.
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.