Drugmakers are set to raise prices on over 250 medications in the US starting January 1st. This news has unsurprisingly sparked widespread outrage and frustration, especially given the timing – just as many are facing economic challenges. The increases, it’s important to note, apply to list prices. These are the prices before rebates and discounts are factored in, meaning pharmacy benefit managers and other intermediaries will likely still receive significant concessions while consumers bear the brunt of the increase.
This raises immediate questions about fairness and accessibility. Many have voiced concerns that those who rely on these medications for chronic or rare conditions will struggle to afford the higher costs, potentially facing life-altering consequences.… Continue reading
A new NORC poll reveals that a substantial majority of Americans (69%) believe health insurance claim denials significantly contributed to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with 67% citing the company’s substantial profits as a contributing factor. The killer’s alleged motive seemingly reflects the industry’s “delay, deny, defend” strategy, evidenced by inscriptions on crime scene ammunition. While 78% attributed a significant role to the shooter, a notable portion of respondents also linked Thompson’s death to broader societal issues, such as wealth inequality. The poll highlights widespread public frustration with the healthcare system and its associated financial burdens.
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A new poll reveals that most Americans hold the perpetrator primarily responsible for the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson. However, a significant portion also attribute responsibility to the company’s profit margins and denials of health care coverage, particularly younger Americans. This widespread belief reflects long-standing frustrations with the healthcare system and insurance industry practices. About 30% of respondents reported personal struggles with insurance coverage in the past year, further highlighting public discontent.
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Former President Bill Clinton was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital on Monday due to a fever requiring testing and observation. His spokesman reported Clinton is in good spirits and expects a release by Christmas. While the situation is not considered urgent, the 78-year-old former president will remain hospitalized overnight. This hospitalization follows a history of health issues including heart surgery and a 2021 urological infection.
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Chris Hedges’ assertion that capitalists should be barred from healthcare systems highlights the inherent issue of commodifying essential services. This critique extends beyond healthcare to encompass numerous societal systems – from transportation and food to education and the environment – all negatively impacted by capitalist control. The article argues that addressing individual symptoms, like reforming healthcare, is insufficient; a systemic challenge to capitalism itself is necessary. Focusing solely on healthcare reform while ignoring the broader capitalist structure is akin to fighting a bully while allowing most of his attacks to continue.
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An Emerson College poll revealed that while a majority of voters (68%) found the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson unacceptable, a significant 41% of 18-29 year olds viewed it as acceptable or somewhat acceptable. Across all age groups, 17% found the act acceptable. The alleged killer, Luigi Mangione, faces life imprisonment for the act of terrorism, which sparked national debate about healthcare access and the insurance industry. Mangione’s actions have garnered both condemnation and surprisingly widespread online support.
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An Emerson College poll reveals that 41% of young adults (18-29) found the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson acceptable, a significantly higher percentage than other age groups. This follows the December 4th shooting of Thompson in New York City, with the alleged perpetrator, Luigi Mangione, charged with murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione’s arrest included a manifesto expressing contempt for the healthcare industry, highlighting underlying societal anger towards the system. Reactions to the event have been diverse, ranging from horror to surprising acceptance, reflecting deep-seated frustrations with healthcare costs and accessibility.
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Following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Senator Bernie Sanders used the opportunity during an NBC News interview to advocate for universal healthcare in the US. He decried the violence as unacceptable while highlighting the public’s anger towards a healthcare system that prioritizes profit over people’s needs. Sanders emphasized the US’s uniquely low life expectancy and high healthcare costs compared to other developed nations as reasons to implement a system guaranteeing healthcare for all. He reiterated his longstanding support for universal healthcare, citing the recently introduced Medicare for All Act as a potential solution.
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Recent polls indicating high satisfaction with private health insurance fail to account for the reality of patients facing unaffordable care, as evidenced by Dr. Ed Weisbart’s experiences with patients unable to afford essential medications or treatments. The current for-profit system prioritizes profit over patient well-being, leading to claim denials and delays, particularly for expensive procedures. This system is further complicated by fragmented care, an inability to negotiate prices, and high administrative overhead, contributing to significantly higher costs compared to other developed nations. Ultimately, a move toward a single-payer system, while challenging politically, is seen as the most effective solution to address these systemic flaws and ensure access to quality healthcare for all Americans.
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Following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Senator Ted Cruz condemned those expressing sympathy for the suspect, Luigi Mangione, characterizing such reactions as stemming from “leftism.” The *Houston Chronicle* sharply criticized Cruz’s statement, arguing that it served to “vilify, inflame, and divide,” rather than address the underlying issues fueling public anger towards the healthcare industry. The newspaper noted that while celebrating murder is reprehensible, Cruz’s simplistic framing ignores the widespread frustration with healthcare practices. The *Chronicle* concluded that Cruz could contribute to solutions instead of exacerbating the problem.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker