Reposted by Steve MorganDanyaal Raza @danyaalraza.com · 27/11/2025Part 1 on decoding public v private healthcare. 0259
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 01/08/2025Why peer review takes me so long: Started reviewing a paper citing works I hadn't read. Had to read them to inform my review. Learned of tangential works relevant to my teaching. Had to read them and revise my lectures. Had to get coffee. Finally got back to the peer review. 170
Reposted by Steve MorganJAMA @jama.com · 28/07/2025Viewpoint: To effectively reduce drug costs, the US needs its own price negotiation framework rather than relying on international benchmarks, as proposed by the Trump administration. ja.ma/4o0PF66 0104
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 20/06/2025💯 Changing payments without changing critical institutions related to delivery, governance, and accountability will not produce long-desired improvements in primary health care. Providers and some patients will be happier but the system will remain a fragmented and underperforming one. 071
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 17/06/2025Canadian “Medicare” is a public good that provides essential services while also creating jobs, economic growth, and competitive advantages for Canada’s economy. Letter reminding our governments of this, signed by 200+ colleagues and me: centreforfuturework.ca/2025/06/17/t...centreforfuturework.caThe Economic Benefits of Canada’s Public Health Care System - Centre for Future WorkOpen letter from economists, health policy experts, and experts in related disciplines 112
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 27/05/2025The 2025 Speech from the Throne mentions #pharmacare once, and only in a promise to keep what is already in place--which is next to nothing. I think the prospect of a meaningful program in the 2020s is dead. Feels like 2006. 131
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 28/04/2025Get out and vote as though your country depended on it! #Never51 010
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 05/04/2025A great 10-second summary of the stupidity of the Trump/Musk tariffs. 000
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 03/04/2025Economic historians are going to look back at this era and wonder what the $%@% people were thinking! This isn't Liberation Day in the USA. It's Liquidation Day! 060
Reposted by Steve MorganNaomi Klein @naomiaklein.bsky.social · 02/04/2025This is, in large part, pandemic revenge. As far as these oligarchs are concerned, all science does is tell them stuff they cannot do. They can't keep spewing carbon. They can't keep businesses open as usual when millions are dying. They have concluded that research is the enemy of profit. 183135654628
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 26/03/2025“Just as strong banking regulations guard against economic catastrophe, comprehensive oversight of our digital landscape is essential to protecting democracy, public safety and national security,” write @petermacleod.bsky.social and @taylorowen.bsky.socialthestar.comIn a changed world, Canada faces an information war. There is an answerTo fight misinformation, we need to re-establish a critical cabinet portfolio for the digital age. 053
Reposted by Steve MorganProf Christina Pagel @chrischirp.bsky.social · 23/03/2025It's 5 yrs today since lockdown started in England, but "We must never have lockdown again" is the wrong lesson. Lockdowns are terrible but so are deadly pandemics. Our choices 5 years ago were limited - we can & must do better in the future. Do read my post. open.substack.com/pub/christin...open.substack.comWe are learning the wrong lessons from lockdownAnd unless we learn the right ones, we risk making the same mistakes in a new pandemic 1192818702
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 22/03/2025Hundreds of unsold Teslas being stored in a rented parking lot outside of Vancouver — a scene playing out across the globe. But, sure, buying shares in the company is a GREAT idea right about now!!! 074
Reposted by Steve MorganJason Markusoff @markusoff.bsky.social · 18/03/2025Danielle Smith & LaGrange say if there was anything amiss about health procurement, it was all internal to Alberta Health Services. Here's a long look at the UCP government's many interventions into contracting at AHS: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...cbc.caANALYSIS | How province kept rein on health contracting, despite what Danielle Smith says | CBC NewsCBC News has obtained documents that lay out extensive government influence over AHS contracts with private surgery clinics and more. 1015880
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 18/03/2025From the US: maybe not such a good idea having secretive, for-profit financial intermediaries influencing what insurers pay, how pharmacies are reimbursed, and which medications people can access.commonwealthfund.orgWhat Pharmacy Benefit Managers Do, and How They Contribute to Drug SpendingPolicymakers at the federal and state level have considered a number of reforms, many of which have bipartisan support, to regulate pharmacy benefit managers. 001
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 15/03/2025“Canadians are entitled to a comprehensive health-care plan that prioritises access, equity, and sustainability for all.“ www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...thelancet.comHealth in Canada: a pivotal political momentAs Justin Trudeau steps down after a decade as leader of Canada's ruling Liberal Party, Canadians face a pivotal moment. Although attention is focused on trade tariffs and souring relations with the U... 1143
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 13/03/2025This got me. I love this country. I love its hope, its compassion, and its humility—that we know we are not perfect and that we believe we can and must always strive to be better. youtu.be/vhiKlhTmwDU?...youtu.beDear CanadaYouTube video by Hockey Films by Tim Thompson 031
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 11/03/2025Now is the time for a united and hopeful Canada, not a divided and hateful one. Be strong and resolute without becoming that which we are defending ourselves against. 0121
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Two posts about the authoritarian attack on American universities out today. The first is an excellent review of why any how this happens. 1/2: "Autocracies require ideological control and a single narrative about what is happening within the country." @chrischirp.bsky.socialchristinapagel.substack.comCensor, purge, defund: how Trump is following the authoritarian playbook on science and universitiesI have mapped 35 of the Trump administration's attacks on science and universities to the authoritarian playbook - and consider what it means for attacks still to come 110
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 10/03/2025If you run into an American travelling abroad -- even right next door, here in Canada -- treat them with kindness. It is highly unlikely they voted for Trump. And nobody voted for Musk. 140
Reposted by Steve MorganCanadian History Ehx @cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social · 04/03/2025In 1890, the Tariff Act came into place in the United States. It placed tariffs on imports of up to 50%. While touted as a way to build American industry, there was also the hope it would force an annexation of Canada. It backfired. Let's learn more. 🧵1/10 411617981
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 04/03/2025Can Canadian institutions please get the hell off of X now?!?!? 2316
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 03/03/2025There is not a lot of good news out there but I think this is good news. Vancouver Coastal has the lowest levels of COVID in wastewater since the beginning of the pandemic -- especially for February (latest data). I'm glad they keep measuring this and I hope this trend holds. 1161
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 01/03/2025“If the American people don’t want this why are we doing it.” 🤔 youtu.be/iSW8ezOmYHs?...youtu.beMaddow: Two new details learned from Trump's Oval Office meltdownYouTube video by MSNBC 272
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 24/02/2025HSR peers, watch this space (and consider submitting work) on US health policy in the Trump era. (Yes, my Bluesky account is @commonwealthfund.org stan account.) www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...healthaffairs.orgAnnouncement: Health Policy At A Crossroads | Health Affairs Forefront<i>Health Affairs</i> is pleased to issue a call for submissions to the new Forefront Featured Topic, “Health Policy At A Crossroads,” focused on salient health policy developments and debates as Pres... 030
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 16/02/2025Musk and Trump solve Canada’s health human resources problem! 073
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 15/02/2025Happy #FlagDay and #SNL50, eh! #CanadaSkycbc.caSaturday Night Live is turning 50, and some of its best moments have featured Canadians | CBC NewsCanadians have always been a fixture on Saturday Night Live, the groundbreaking sketch comedy show that will mark its 50th anniversary with a special celebration show on Sunday. 020
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 13/02/2025Now might be a good time for students to re-read Deborah Stone's chapter on efficiency in "Policy Paradox." 101
Reposted by Steve MorganPaul Fairie @paulisci.bsky.social · 13/02/2025If your argument is "sure, a terrible modern event has a parallel in the 1920s and 30s but don't worry we turned out just fine", might I suggest reading about the 1940s. 378248813638
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 12/02/2025TLDR: "tough-on-crime" illicit drug policies are ineffective, oppressive, and extraordinarily expensive. The underlying problems are complex but there are far better ways to address them if you actually cared about people who use drugs.theglobeandmail.comOpinion: Imposing life sentences on fentanyl offences will only lead to more poverty, addiction and devastationPierre Poilievre’s suggestion that mandatory life sentences are the solution to the toxic drug crisis is misleading and dangerous 031
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 09/02/2025Should I start a series called “cartoons you wouldn’t see in Canada”? 072
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 07/02/2025Billionaires view the world as a video game in which everyone else is an NPC. 030
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 06/02/2025If for-profit surgical facilities cream skim the lowest-risk patients AND receive inflated-price contracts, can anyone tell me how it is they are “more efficient” than public facilities?theglobeandmail.comOpposition calls for RCMP investigation into firing of Alberta Health Services CEOOusted executive Athana Mentzelopoulos alleged in a letter that government officials improperly interfered in procurement of private surgical facilities and medication 054
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 06/02/2025“Premier Danielle Smith’s government dismissed the head of AHS two days before she was scheduled to meet with the province’s Auditor-General to discuss her investigation into procurement contracts and deals for private surgical facilities, according to a letter obtained by The Globe and Mail.”theglobeandmail.comAlberta ousted health services CEO amid probe into medical contracts, document allegesAthana Mentzelopoulos was dismissed two days before a meeting with province’s auditor on her investigation, according to letter 030
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 04/02/2025AI tools from three years ago increased cancer detection rates and positive predictive values by about 25%. Imagine what AI tools are able to do today…and will be able to do three years from now. www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...thelancet.comScreening performance and characteristics of breast cancer detected in the Mammography Screening with Artificial Intelligence trial (MASAI): a randomised, controlled, parallel-group, non-inferiority, ...The findings suggest that AI contributes to the early detection of clinically relevant breast cancer and reduces screen-reading workload without increasing false positives. 110
Reposted by Steve MorganKatharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 03/02/2025"Everyone thinks of solar like the Whole Foods of energy - better for you, but pricey. In fact, it's now the Costco of energy, and everyone needs to know that." - yet another unforgettable thought from @billmckibben.bsky.social 11493135
Reposted by Steve MorganMeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 02/02/2025RONALD REAGAN (1988): We should be aware of the demagogues who are ready to declare a trade war against our friends, weakening our economy, our national security, and the entire free world—all while cynically waving the American flag. 18795037417612
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 02/02/2025I signed the Pledge for Canada to reflect on the challenges Canada faces and what we can do to respond together: actionnetwork.org/petitions/pl...actionnetwork.orgSign the Pledge for CanadaThis petition is intended as an invitation to Canadians to reflect on the current challenges Canada faces and what we can all do to respond to the risks and to contribute to building a more resilient ... 073
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 01/02/2025Never have I seen more “made in Canada” ads in my life. Also, does anyone want to buy a used Tesla? 241
Reposted by Steve MorganThe Commonwealth Fund @commonwealthfund.org · 29/01/2025Community health centers provide essential primary care to more than 31 million people. Without reliable, congressionally-authorized support, the U.S. risks losing an essential lifeline for millions of people. #CHCs #communityhealthcommonwealthfund.orgCommunity Health Centers’ Progress and Challenges in Meeting Patients’ Essential Primary Care NeedsAmid major public health challenges, community health centers continue to provide millions of patients with accessible, comprehensive, and coordinated health care. 133
Reposted by Steve MorganJAMA @jama.com · 09/01/2025Private equity acquisitions of US hospitals have increased over the past decade, and such acquisitions were associated with a worsening of patient care experience compared to non-acquired hospitals. #MedSky ja.ma/3WaBGhK 68741
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 13/12/2024More work from the @commonwealthfund.org that, although for a US audience, is also of relevance to Canada. Private health insurance imposes sizable burdens on workers...and those burdens vary by workplace. www.commonwealthfund.org/publications...commonwealthfund.orgTrends in Employer Health Insurance Costs, 2014–2023: Coverage Is More Expensive for Workers in Small BusinessesAcross the U.S., employees at small businesses generally face higher health insurance deductibles and premium costs than employees at large firms. 096
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 04/12/2024Latest international data from the Commonwealth Fund shows, once again, the American private-public model of health benefits is not a model to follow. www.commonwealthfund.org/publications... 095
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 27/11/2024This is a good discussion of Canada's first stage (or "pilot") of a national pharmacare program. Well worth the read and serious contemplation over what should and could come next. www.cmaj.ca/content/196/...cmaj.caThe first, fragile foundations of national pharmacare in Canada[See related research at www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.241024][1] On Oct. 10, 2024, Bill C-64 — comprising the first concrete measures to implement universal, single-payer, public pharmacare in... 163
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 19/11/2024Late announcement (I've been sick): it is an honour to be appointed to this committee on national pharmacare. I look forward to the work involved. Please contact Health Canada for info and media inquiries. www.canada.ca/en/health-ca...canada.caGovernment of Canada establishes a Committee of Experts to make recommendations on National PharmacareToday, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced the establishment of the Committee of Experts which will recommend options on how to operate and finance a national, universal, single... 074
Steve Morgan @steveubc.bsky.social · 30/04/2024If you have access to the Hill Times, here's a column that took a look at the recommended next step for national pharmacare: the most commonly prescribed clinically-important drugs, AKA essential medicines. www.hilltimes.com/story/2024/0...hilltimes.comNext step in universal drug coverage should prioritize ‘essential medicines,’ says pharmacare expertFocusing on a list of the most commonly prescribed clinically-important drugs could save billions of dollars, both directly in terms of drug budget, and indirectly in terms of improvements in health c... 042