The hottest Patient Advocacy Substack posts right now

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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Her Surgeon Said She Needed The Operation. UnitedHealthcare Said No.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 899 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. A woman named Robin needed a back surgery that her doctor recommended, but her insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, denied the request multiple times without clear explanations.
  2. The increasing number of denied medical procedures has led to significant financial issues for hospitals and has contributed to rising health care costs and bankruptcies.
  3. Robin's situation highlights a broader problem where insurance companies often prioritize profits over patient care, causing emotional and physical distress for those affected.

Important Reads: New Reporting Details Ghost Networks and Fighting Denials

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Many health insurance companies have 'ghost networks,' meaning they list providers that either don't exist or aren't seeing patients. This causes major problems for people needing help.
  2. Health insurers may not fix these ghost networks because it keeps their costs down. Fewer patients finding care means fewer claims they have to pay.
  3. If you're denied care by your health insurer, don't just accept it. It's important to push back and appeal their decisions to get the help you need.

The Catholic Hospital System Killing Women

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 4913 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Patient Advocacy
  1. Catholic hospital system like Ascension is fueling the U.S. maternal mortality crisis with closures, affecting patients disproportionately.
  2. Ascension has a pattern of cutting obstetrics services, pushing pregnant patients to travel farther for care, especially in low-income neighborhoods.
  3. Ascension prioritizes cost-cutting over patient safety, leading to dangerous consequences like increased wait times, overworked staff, and ignored alarms.

A Former Republican Lawmaker’s Constant Fight with UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plan to Stay Alive

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Healthcare can be a huge struggle, especially when battling a serious illness. Many people might face denied coverage and have to fight tirelessly for the treatments they need to survive.
  2. Financial strain can impact access to necessary medical treatments. Some individuals may even resort to fundraising or selling personal belongings to cover their medical costs.
  3. Certain Medicare Advantage plans can limit access to essential care and providers. This can be frustrating for those who need specialized treatments, forcing them into difficult situations.

CVS CEO to Wall Street: People in Medicare Advantage Are in for a World of Hurt as We Focus on Profits

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 919 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  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.
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How a small journalism nonprofit is holding the largest pharma companies to account

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Patient Advocacy
  1. A nonprofit newsroom is applying consumer-protection journalism to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, digging into hidden ingredients and undisclosed side effects.
  2. It mixes investigative reporting, social video, and advocacy to shine light on the “shadow” side of medicine and hold large drug companies accountable.
  3. The group aims to be donor-supported and to use independent, testing-style journalism to publish findings that push for safer products and regulatory change.

Health Insurer Admits “Mistake” – and Still Sticks Disabled Veteran With $110,000 in Medical Bills

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Health insurers can make big mistakes that leave patients with hefty bills, as seen with a disabled veteran who faced $110,000 in medical expenses after an insurance error.
  2. Even when companies admit to their mistakes, they may not take responsibility to fix the situation, often leaving vulnerable people to deal with the consequences.
  3. Finding help through patient advocates can make a huge difference, showing the importance of community support in navigating medical billing issues.

Your top 10 FAQ on drug prices

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1591 implied HN points • 15 May 25
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Drug prices in the U.S. are much higher than in other countries because drug companies set their own prices, and patents keep competition away for many years. This results in Americans paying more for medications.
  2. High drug prices lead people to skip doses or avoid taking medicine altogether, which can result in serious health issues. Many people can't afford their medications, causing preventable health problems.
  3. There are possible solutions to lower drug prices, like the government negotiating prices and reforming patents to allow generics more quickly. However, it requires public pressure and political will to make these changes happen.

Things to Stop Saying and Doing in Front of Higher-Weight Patients

Weight and Healthcare • 798 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Patient Advocacy
  1. Weight loss and food talk should not happen in healthcare settings without patient consent. It can be harmful and triggering, especially for patients recovering from eating disorders.
  2. Avoid any negative body talk in front of patients and do not label higher-weight patients as 'difficult' or 'challenging' based on their weight. Blaming the patient's body for healthcare failings is detrimental.
  3. Discuss sensitive topics like movement and repositioning out of earshot of the patient or involve them in the conversation. Healthcare should accommodate patients of all sizes without blaming the patient.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 217: Kim Witczak, Dr. Roger McFillin, Psy.D., and Danielle Gansky.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Patient Advocacy
  1. Antidepressants can help many people but may also increase suicide risk for some, so clear information and careful monitoring are essential.
  2. Children are being prescribed psychiatric drugs more often, which raises serious concerns about long-term harm and the need for stronger safeguards and informed consent for families.
  3. Withdrawal, tapering, and overall oversight of psychiatric medications need improvement so patients get safe discontinuation plans, true informed consent, and better regulatory accountability.

Long Covid Can Be Both Psychosomatic And Real

Singal-Minded • 607 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Long Covid can be both a real illness and influenced by the mind. This means some people might feel real symptoms even if there isn't a clear medical cause.
  2. A lot of people with Long Covid were healthy before getting sick, and some symptoms are very common and vague. This makes it tough to pinpoint exactly what Long Covid is.
  3. Understanding Long Covid requires both medical knowledge and attention to the patient's experiences. It shows the need for a balance between science and understanding individual stories.

Near-Instantly Aborting the Worst Pain Imaginable with Psychedelics

psychotechnology • 23 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Patient Advocacy
  1. Cluster headaches are an extreme, recurring form of pain that can be utterly incapacitating and even drive people to desperate measures.
  2. Psychedelics—especially inhaled DMT at low doses—can abort attacks almost instantly, and psilocybin/LSD can reduce or prevent cycles, often outperforming standard acute treatments.
  3. Legal barriers and crude healthcare metrics leave many patients without access or funding, so advocacy and organized efforts are pushing for research, policy change, and expanded compassionate access.

Marketing Medicare Advantage to seniors of color – even when it’s bad for their health

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Many seniors of color, especially Black and Latino seniors, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, but these plans often don't cover necessary care. This can lead to serious health issues and preventable hospitalizations.
  2. The marketing for Medicare Advantage often misleads seniors into believing they will receive good care, but the reality is that many end up facing care denials and complicated processes that are hard to navigate.
  3. There are significant racial disparities in the quality of care provided through Medicare Advantage. This impacts the well-being of seniors of color, who are often targeted by aggressive marketing strategies that don't fully explain the potential downsides.

Is the No Surprises Act backfiring on patients?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. The No Surprises Act was created to protect patients from surprise medical bills, but it may not be working as intended. Insurers have found ways to manipulate the system, negatively impacting patients.
  2. Insurers can set the rates for out-of-network services and use that power to push down payments to doctors, which may lead to less availability of medical care.
  3. The government has not enforced the law properly, allowing insurers to profit while leaving patients with longer wait times and less access to doctors.

Cigna denied a double lung transplant after a donor was found, leaving a mother scrambling for answers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Cigna denied a double lung transplant even after a donor was found, leaving the patient and her family in a tough situation. This shows how insurance companies can impact life-saving medical decisions.
  2. In some cases, insurance companies take a long time to approve necessary surgeries, which can be life-threatening. Quick action is critical for patients needing urgent medical care.
  3. This isn't just an isolated incident; many patients face similar issues with insurance companies. More awareness and action are needed to protect patients from such denials.

Retirees in Cortland County, New York, opposed UnitedHealth's Medicare grab and won. At least, for now.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Retirees in Cortland County successfully resisted being moved to a Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealth. This shows that organized opposition can make a difference.
  2. Healthcare insurers often hide important information about coverage and approval processes, making it hard for patients to understand what they are entitled to. This lack of transparency can lead to patients missing out on necessary care.
  3. There is growing pressure for legislative changes to protect retirees' choices between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. This means that there might be more options for seniors in the future.

Meet Dr. Hurley – a physician (and now a patient) bent on righting the wrongs of insurance denials

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1218 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Dr. Hurley, a physician turned patient, fights against health insurance denials that affect patients' access to care. His own experience with his son's surgery denial opened his eyes to the struggles many face with insurance companies.
  2. He wants to reform the medical claims process, aiming for fairness and accountability from insurers. By using his legal education and experience, he hopes to help others navigate the complicated system and advocate for their healthcare rights.
  3. Dr. Hurley emphasizes the importance of having qualified specialists review insurance claims. He believes that having doctors without the right expertise making decisions harms patients and wants to see changes that hold these reviewers accountable.

Patient Quick Guide To Talking About Weight with Healthcare Providers

Weight and Healthcare • 718 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Patient Advocacy
  1. Weight stigma in healthcare can be a common issue for higher-weight patients.
  2. Healthcare providers may focus excessively on weight loss even when it may not be relevant to the patient's health concerns.
  3. Patients have the right to refuse weight-focused care and can navigate discussions with their healthcare providers by explaining their reasoning or bypassing weight discussions.

Dr. Daniel Hurley, advocate for health insurance reform, dies at 50

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Dr. Daniel Hurley was a strong advocate for health insurance reform. He wanted to bring more transparency to the insurance industry.
  2. Even while battling cancer, he worked hard to fight against insurance companies that denied necessary medical treatments. He was determined to make changes that would help patients.
  3. His passing at 50 is a big loss, but his family and friends plan to continue his mission for better healthcare practices.

Join my projects: opportunities for patients/advocates and public health professionals

Force of Infection • 25 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Voices in Print helps patients and advocates turn specific, actionable ideas into editorials for medical journals by pairing them with professional writers and removing cost and submission barriers.
  2. A Measles Response Repository is collecting operational data from health departments that handled measles outbreaks since 2024 to learn what strategies, staff time, and financial resources worked best.
  3. Both projects invite free participation through short submissions or surveys (without asking for personal health information) to improve clinical care and public health planning by amplifying lived experience and real-world data.

"Under the law he had no remedy." How Dr. Dan Hurley's legacy could lead to health insurance prior authorization reform

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Dr. Dan Hurley fought against health insurance practices that often deny essential treatments, even after initial approval. His struggles highlight how complicated and frustrating dealing with insurers can be for patients.
  2. The law governing health insurance makes it hard for patients to challenge denied claims, leaving many without proper remedies for their disputes. This unfair system discourages people from appealing denied medical treatments.
  3. Hurley's legacy encourages the formation of advocacy groups to help patients fight against unfair insurance practices. His story inspires others to push for change in health coverage to ease the burden on families dealing with medical needs.

How two very motivated women are helping patients fight their health insurers and get the care they need

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Two women are helping patients fight against health insurance companies to get the care they deserve. They believe that everyone should advocate for themselves to ensure they receive the benefits they are paying for.
  2. They created resources that explain complex insurance terms and processes. These tools help patients understand how to deal with denials and other challenges in the healthcare system.
  3. Education is key for patients navigating healthcare issues. Many people don't know how to appeal denied claims or ask for urgent care, and there's a need for more knowledge in schools about health insurance.

Six annoying steps that reduced my prescription drug costs by $2000 per year

Neeloy’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. You can save money on prescription drugs by asking for generic versions. A simple request to your doctor might cut costs significantly.
  2. Checking websites like goodrx.com for coupons can make a big difference. It's worth taking the time to search for discounts at different pharmacies.
  3. Don't hesitate to communicate with your pharmacist and doctor. Asking questions and exploring alternatives can lead to much lower medication costs.

Health insurers find new way to drain the bank accounts of Americans with chronic conditions

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 459 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Health insurers are changing rules that make it harder for people with chronic illnesses to pay for their medications. This is causing patients to spend much more money out-of-pocket.
  2. Copay accumulators are a new tactic where insurance companies do not count discounts from drug manufacturers towards patients' out-of-pocket limits, making medications even more expensive.
  3. Legislation is being introduced to help protect patients. Bills are being considered at both state and federal levels to ensure that all payments count towards out-of-pocket expenses.

Long-COVID patients face treatment denials, skepticism from clinicians

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Patient Advocacy
  1. Long-COVID patients often struggle to be understood by doctors, facing skepticism about their symptoms. Many doctors don't have clear guidelines for treating long COVID, which can leave patients feeling frustrated and ignored.
  2. Symptoms of long COVID can be very varied and affect many parts of the body. People report issues like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and pain, which can significantly change their daily lives.
  3. The cost of treatment can be a huge burden for long COVID patients, especially in the U.S., where many face denied claims for necessary medications. This financial strain adds to the challenges they already face in managing their health.

Friday Q&A: Finding The Right Doctor

Are You Okay? • 279 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Patient Advocacy
  1. Finding a good primary care doctor is important for both sickness and wellness, as they can help prevent disease and promote wellness.
  2. When looking for a doctor, consider factors like active listening, evidence-based recommendations, and willingness to refer patients to other specialists.
  3. It's crucial to establish a good patient-doctor relationship from the start, focusing on trust, communication, and teamwork in healthcare.

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 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.

Doctors said "it was a matter of life or death." But their health insurer denied the claim.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Health insurance companies often deny crucial medical claims, even when doctors say treatment is a matter of life or death. This can leave patients in distress, struggling to access the care they desperately need.
  2. Many people don't know they have the right to challenge claim denials. Even if they do, insurers often make it difficult to win these appeals.
  3. Campaigns like Care Over Cost show that collective action can help patients get the care they deserve. By uniting and raising awareness, patients can hold insurers accountable and fight for their rights.

Atrium Health halts lawsuits against patients for unpaid medical bills

The Charlotte Ledger • 137 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Atrium Health has stopped suing patients for unpaid medical bills, a practice criticized for targeting vulnerable individuals.
  2. The change comes amidst increasing concern over medical debt burdens on Americans.
  3. Despite halting new lawsuits, Atrium still pursues payment for existing judgments, leaving some patients struggling with debt.

Welcome to HEALTH CARE un-covered (formerly Wendell Potter NOW)

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Many patients are struggling with high medical costs and debt, making it hard for them to get the care they need. Even those with insurance often end up underinsured and facing high out-of-pocket expenses.
  2. Big insurance companies are reporting record profits while many people still lack proper coverage or are pushed into bankruptcy due to healthcare costs. This shows a big gap in the current healthcare system.
  3. There's a push for more transparency in healthcare costs and a call for reforms to create a fairer system. The aim is to educate both the public and lawmakers about the issues and to find better solutions together.

LIFE AND DOLLARS: a health care insider's account of how prior authorization really works.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Prior authorization was meant to reduce unnecessary medical procedures, but it's often causing more problems than it solves. Patients and doctors face delays and frustrations, and the process doesn't save as much money as expected.
  2. Health insurers are spending a lot on middlemen and outsourcing prior authorization, which drives up health care costs. These companies often prioritize profits over patient care.
  3. Many patients don't understand how prior authorization affects their care, leading to confusion. It's important for employers and patients to be informed and communicate better about these requirements to avoid frustrations.

How prior authorization can kill: a 2-year-old with cancer; a young woman needing chemo; and a 17-year-old in need of a transplant

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Prior authorization is a process where insurance companies must approve treatments before they happen. This can delay or deny care, leading to serious health consequences.
  2. Patients and their advocates should not accept a denial as the final answer. Speaking out or getting media attention often leads to faster approvals for necessary treatments.
  3. The system is flawed, as people need to fight for coverage, and even then, unexpected bills can still arise. It's important to be proactive and challenge initial denials.

A closer look: what you need to know about insurance companies' and PBMs' "copay accumulator" scheme

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Copay accumulators are a practice where insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) do not count patient discounts towards their deductible. This forces patients to pay more out of pocket for expensive medications later in the year.
  2. Many patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, are impacted by these accumulators, facing higher healthcare costs that can lead to stress and difficult financial choices. Advocacy groups are working to raise awareness and ban this practice.
  3. Insurance companies argue copay accumulators help control drug costs, but many believe it's just a way to make more money at patients' expense. Some states are taking steps to ban it, but many patients still lack protection.

CVS/Aetna's $9 billion in profits paid for a lavish party and stock buybacks. Not patients' medical claims.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. CVS/Aetna made $9 billion in profits, which they used for parties and buying back stocks, not helping patients with their medical costs.
  2. Many patients are struggling with high out-of-pocket medical expenses, leading them to seek help through crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe.
  3. Executives at CVS/Aetna are making huge salaries, while the company is spending less on actual patient care, raising concerns about corporate priorities in healthcare.

High deductibles helped UnitedHealth reach $7 billion in profits in Q2 as a 14-year-old begs for deductible assistance on GoFundMe.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 15 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. UnitedHealth made $7 billion in profits during the second quarter, thanks in part to high deductibles in health insurance plans. This means they are doing really well financially.
  2. A 14-year-old named Ava Hope has health insurance but cannot afford the high out-of-pocket costs and is asking for help on GoFundMe. Her story highlights the struggles many face even with insurance.
  3. Many people in the U.S. are suffering and going into debt due to insurance costs while companies like UnitedHealth focus on profits. There's a call for Congress to lower costs so people can actually use their insurance when they need it.

Clinicians Hate NGS?

ASeq Newsletter • 72 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Many doctors are not keen on genetic tests because they believe the tests do not change how patients are treated. This attitude makes it hard for patients to get the tests they need.
  2. It's not just about the cost of testing; the main issue is that doctors often don't like running tests if they feel there's no direct benefit to patients.
  3. To improve the situation, we need to raise awareness among doctors and patients about the benefits of whole genome sequencing, especially for those with rare diseases. Grassroots efforts can help push for more understanding and acceptance of these tests.

5 Questions with Dr. Gregory Dodell

Weight and Healthcare • 199 implied HN points • 12 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Patient Advocacy
  1. Dr. Gregory Dodell focuses on weight-neutral care, treating patients based on behaviors rather than weight.
  2. He learned about weight-neutral care from his wife, Alexis Conason, and practices with a focus on behaviors and lifestyle changes.
  3. Patients can be healthy at any size, and healthcare providers should avoid weight stigma and focus on health-promoting behaviors.

HOW IRONIC: Corporate health insurance consultants blame high medical costs on our "bad habits" and "overuse" of system.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy
  1. Health insurance consultants often blame people's bad habits for rising medical costs, while huge insurance companies are making record profits. This seems very unfair to the average person trying to access affordable care.
  2. Many insured Americans are still struggling with medical debt and high out-of-pocket expenses. It's tough when even people with insurance can't afford their medications or treatments.
  3. The focus should be on the greed of insurance companies rather than blaming individuals. Insurers could help lower costs, but they often choose profit over patient care, leaving many people in financial trouble.