tech, startups, internet

Why QED is doubling down on Kin.

A laudatory memo from a recent investor in the Chicago-based insurance startup Kin (disclosure: I’m lucky to be a small investor as well). “The difference between these financial metrics is so stark that we believe Kin will be the defining […]

to your health

Apple care (for humans).

“Apple plans to enter the health insurance industry by 2024, according to CCS Insights’ Chief Analyst Ben Wood. Many of you have followed the decade-long saga of big tech attempting to enter the healthcare space to compete with incumbents, only […]

to your health

What are health care sharing ministries?

“As healthcare costs rise, health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) are getting a lot of attention—not all of it good—as an alternative to traditional health insurance. Open to people who share religious or ethical beliefs, they aren’t insurance companies. Rather, they […]

fun facts

The economics and history of hole-in-one insurance.

“Though the concept [of a golfer picking up everyone’s bar tab after nailing a hole-in-one] largely faded away in the US, it became a big business in Japan, where golfers who landed a hole-in-one were expected to throw parties “comparable […]

to your health

Is my drug copay coupon a form of charity or a bribe?

“Before my insurer had even preapproved coverage of the new injectable medicine my doctor had prescribed, I got a voicemail from its manufacturer informing me that I might qualify for its copay assistance program. That meant the company would cover […]

tech, startups, internet

Phrenology, insurance claims, and digital gaydar

“You read that right: an insurance company in 2021 is defending itself against charges, circulated widely in the AI ethics Twitter dogpile on their original thread, that they’re using the Late Renaissance pseudosciences of phrenology and physiognomy on their customers.” | learn […]

to your health

Compare hospital prices with an easy search

Turquoise Health: “Starting this year, all hospitals are required to list their prices for elective services. Whether you have insurance or plan to pay cash – find and compare prices below.” | learn more

on the blockchain

Yearn’s expanding DeFi universe

“In just eight weeks, Yearn has grown from a simple yield aggregator into a comprehensive DeFi ecosystem. Yearn’s asset management platform already manages more than $1B. If that weren’t enough, Yearn has already expanded into insurance and venture financing.” | learn more