Top 5 Most-Read "5 Things" Articles of 2025

The world of managed care and public health policy saw substantial discussion this year, touching on everything from the economic implications of health care subsidies to the rising rates of cancer in younger populations and the lingering effects of the global pandemic. The top-read “5 things” articles reflected these diverse and pressing topics, capturing the attention of readers seeking insights into clinical trials, legislative impacts, and evolving disease trends.

Here are the most-read “5 things” articles from 2025.

5. 5 Key Takeaways From RFK Jr’s Confirmation Hearings

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sat before the Senate for 2 separate hearings to decide his confirmation fate as secretary of HHS. If confirmed, he would oversee the $1.7 trillion agency responsible for federal health programs (including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act marketplaces) and manage disease outbreaks.

During the hearings, Kennedy’s past anti-vaccine rhetoric and his previous statements spreading fear were heavily scrutinized by senators. Although he stated he supports the use of vaccines and claimed he is neither "antivaccine [nor] any industry” but "pro-safety," his involvement with the nonprofit Children’s Health Defense, known for promoting antivaccine causes, was brought up. Kennedy failed to acknowledge well-documented scientific studies confirming there is no link between vaccination and autism in children and stumbled when questioned about his role in perpetuating vaccine hesitancy during the 2019 measles outbreak in American Samoa.

The hearings also highlighted conflicting stances on abortion, as Kennedy clarified he would align with President Donald Trump’s position to leave the issue to the states, marking a drastic shift from his previous campaign stance supporting reproductive rights and Roe v Wade protections. Another heated moment arose when a senator challenged his past controversial views on diversity, equity, and inclusion, specifically his suggestion that Black Americans should follow a different vaccine schedule than White Americans.

Finally, Kennedy demonstrated an unclear grasp of government health programs, particularly the difference between Medicaid and Medicare funding structures. He incorrectly stated that Medicaid is "fully paid for by the federal government," overlooking the essential role of state funding.

Read the full article here.

4. 5 Consequences If ACA Premium Subsidies End in 2026

The enhanced premium tax credits, which were introduced under the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act, have made health insurance significantly more affordable for millions, reducing average premium payments for marketplace enrollees by more than 50%. However, without congressional intervention, these enhanced subsidies are scheduled to expire at the end of the year, which the Congressional Budget Office projects could lead to substantial premium increases and losses in coverage for up to 4 million people.

The most immediate consequence would be higher premiums across the marketplace, potentially causing monthly costs to more than double for many middle-income families. The loss of the subsidy cap, which limits premium payments to 8.5% of household income, would disproportionately affect older adults and could lead healthier individuals to drop coverage, resulting in adverse selection. This, in turn, is projected to cause an increased uninsured population, with the largest increases expected in rural areas and states that have not expanded Medicaid.

The expiration would also trigger the return of the “subsidy cliff,” meaning households earning just over 400% of the federal poverty level would lose all premium assistance. This instability is likely to increase “coverage churn.” For households earning between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, the expiration would cause increased financial hardship, potentially forcing them into high-deductible plans or leading them to delay necessary medical care, contributing to worsening health outcomes. Ultimately, the rising uninsured rate would cause strain on hospitals and safety-net providers, who would face increased burdens of uncompensated care, threatening their financial stability and exacerbating health inequities.

Read the full article here.

3. 5 Ongoing Clinical Trials Evaluating Treatment for MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system that permanently damages the myelin protecting the nerves of the spinal cord, brain, and optic nerves; currently, there is no known cure. Although more than 20 FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) exist, ongoing clinical trials are crucial for advancing treatment.

The article highlighted 5 active trials for MS treatment, with estimated completion dates spanning from 2025 to 2030. These include tolebrutinib (NCT04742400), a phase 2 trial examining the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor's effect on chronically inflamed white matter brain lesions. The fingolimod (NCT01892722) phase 3 trial is comparing the safety and effectiveness of daily oral fingolimod vs weekly intramuscular interferon β-1a in pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years with relapsing MS.

Two monoclonal antibodies are also being evaluated: ocrelizumab (NCT04377555), in an open-label phase 4 study focused on self-identified Black or African American and Hispanic/Latino patients with relapsing MS, and ublituximab (NCT04130997), in a long-term open-label extension study assessing its long-term safety and efficacy in adults with relapsing MS. Lastly, the phase 3 FENtrepid trial is studying fenebrutinib (NCT04544449), an oral BTK inhibitor, comparing its efficacy and safety against ocrelizumab in adults with primary progressive MS.

Read the full article here.

2. 5 Things to Know About Long COVID

Long COVID is defined generally as the prolonged presence of post–COVID-19 symptoms, but the lack of a universally accepted definition continues to complicate diagnosis and treatment efforts. The condition is noted for its significant clinical burden, with common symptoms including fatigue/exhaustion, decreased or changed smell, diarrhea, and chest pain or tightness.

Studies emphasize the need for a standardized definition because current definitions vary drastically; some organizations include COVID-19–negative individuals, which may lead to overdiagnosis of long COVID and underdiagnosis of other respiratory illnesses. The condition results in substantial work and financial impairments, as participants reporting ongoing long COVID symptoms were more likely to experience periods of unemployment and reduced work hours compared with those who had never had the condition. The total long COVID costs have reached upward of $3.7 trillion over 5 years in decreased productivity and health care spending.

Regarding health system impact, long COVID patients have increased outpatient health care utilization, although acute care usage decreases after diagnosis. The article highlights treatment and management gaps, noting that the reliance on self-reported symptoms, although necessary, can overcomplicate diagnosis due to the surplus of symptoms accounted for in different definitions. Finally, policy and research needs are crucial, with recommendations encouraging extended leave and workplace accommodations, such as reduced hours or work from home, to support those affected.

Read the full article here.

1. 5 Reasons Why Colorectal Cancer May Be Rising in Young Adults

Colorectal cancer (CRC) rates have been rising in young adults (younger than 50 years), climbing by about 3% annually since the early 2010s. This troubling trend has led to nearly 20,000 children, adolescents, and adults younger than 50 being diagnosed in 2023 alone.

One major factor is poor dietary patterns, as high intake of sugary drinks, refined foods, and ultra-processed foods associated with Western-style diets is linked to increased early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) risk. Conversely, consuming diets high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber is protective. Sedentary lifestyles are also a strong risk factor; prolonged sedentary behavior is significantly associated with a higher risk of colon cancer, with some findings suggesting a 30% increased risk for the most sedentary individuals.

Another key area of research is gut microbiome disruption. Younger CRC patients (younger than 40 years) are 3 to 5 times more likely to have tumors bearing colibactin-related mutations, a DNA-damaging toxin produced by E coli strains, potentially linked to microbiome disturbances during early childhood.

The rise in EOCRC necessitates addressing delayed diagnosis and lack of screening. A study found that initiating fecal immunochemical test screening between ages 40 and 49 years reduced CRC mortality by 39% compared with waiting until age 50, supporting earlier preventive care. Finally, environmental and epigenetic factors contribute to the risk. Individuals born after 1950 may face heightened EOCRC risk due to increased exposure to environmental pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which disrupt the gut microbiome and trigger chronic inflammation.

Read the full article here.