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

Just Some Reading on Various Topics in My Mail Box

– Israel Agrees to Cease-Fire With Lebanon’s Hezbollah—But What About Gaza?, Common Dreams. After months of slaughtering those not responsible, then you ask for a truce? “A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah appeared to be within reach on Monday amid reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly scuttled diplomatic efforts in recent months. – The Global […]

Payments to Medicare Advantage Plans is More Than What is Stated

Brief commentary by Dr. Kahn who is in the thick of the discussion on Medicare Advantage Costs. Health Justice Monitor, Medicare Advantage Overpayment >$100 Billion, Jim (James G.) Kahn, MD, MPH Summary: Physicians for a National Health Program released a valuable summary of Medicare Advantage overpayments. The scope and scale is breathtaking: $100 billion annual payoff […]

Primary care physicians and unions

One of the phenomena that have led to increased income inequality and the hollowing out of the middle class in America is the decline of unions. Recently, it appears that some workers are trying to claw back some of that lost economic ground. Now I don’t count PCPs as middle class or working class. Yes, […]

RFK Jr and the food-as-medicine trope

RFK Jr and the food-as-medicine trope Anti-vaxxer and brain-worm afflicted RFK Jr has announced, among his priorities, to use federal money to get people to eat better. From The Palm Beach Post: “The former independent presidential candidate is a big fan of Trump but not so much about the president-elect’s fast-food diet. “During an interview […]

A Nation, a State, and Healthcare Failed a Young Woman

I am dusting off an old commentary (A Woman’s Right to Safe Healthcare Outcomes) from 2019 after reading about a young woman who died after visiting three different emergency rooms. Everyone delayed. Everyone thought of their liability. And every one watched her slowly die as they made their decision. Healthcare for women and maternal mortality is an […]

An Indirect Cost of Manufacturing in Mexico vs the United States

“proposed tariffs on Mexican exports, particularly in the automotive sector, have prompted Mexico to consider reciprocal measures. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard indicated that Mexico might impose its own tariffs on U.S. imports if such U.S. tariffs are enacted, emphasizing the potential economic repercussions for both nations.” Mexican president might be changing view on US as […]