Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

If it’s fixed, break it

I chose original Medicare because I’d read about all the problems, delays and overcharges in Medicare “Advantage.” So far, I’m happy with that choice, and things don’t seem to be improving with Medicare “Advantage.” Now, it appears the Trump Administration has decided to throw sand in the gears of a government program that works. “Traditional […]

Ultraprocessed foods are not poison

As any pharmacologist or toxicologist will tell you, the dose makes the poison. Most rice contains arsenic. Baked goods contain acrylamide. Seafood contains methylmercury. Natural groundwater contains fluoride. But in moderation, none of those things are toxic. Thanks to RFK Jr, there’s been a lot of silly nattering about the alleged dangers of ultraprocessed foods. […]

New Medicaid Work Rules by Repubs

“Strict Medicaid work rules could harm people with serious illnesses, advocates say,” NPR Advocates for people with serious illnesses, like cancer and HIV, say the strict Medicaid work rules that the Trump administration released this week are likely to put ongoing treatments in jeopardy. States must put the work requirements into effect by January 1. […]

Hospital Pricing Rising Faster for Private Insurance?

Private healthcare insurance polices and pricing is more varied than Medicare. No surprise there. The only thing you may deal with in having Medicare is Supplemental. The ACA should be similar to Medicare pricing. ACA Marketplace plans and Medicare differ significantly in costs and pricing (Supplemental). Too much freedom or leeway was given to the […]

“What will the politicians do to hold healthcare corporations accountable for high costs?”

Commentary by Andrew Sprung at his site: xpostfactoid. Besides the other factors, I will point out, Hospital Prices Have Risen Much Faster for Private Insurance Than Medicare Since 2019 per a KFF report in May of this year. The increases “represent approximately one third of total health care spending and accounted for 40% of spending growth from 2022 to […]

Whatever we’re paying him, it’s too much

The NYT published an article reporting that RFK Jr has abandoned most of his responsibilities: “Mr. Kennedy has shown little interest in managing the details of work in his department, according to multiple colleagues,” Sheryl Gay Stolberg wrote in the article. “Instead, they say, he is single-mindedly focused on his top priorities, including food recommendations […]