Americans have been terrorized by high health care costs and surprise medical bills. Now, there is new evidence that even though a COVID vaccine is free, the trauma of the experience with for-profit health care may be making many people reluctant to get the vaccine, because they fear being hit with unexpected bills.

Also in today's Weekend Reader:

  • One progressive lawmaker is calling on his fellow Democrats to play hardball against any moves by Biden to work with Republicans to slash a prospective infrastructure bill.
  • A powerful case for requiring employers to offer paid leave after women have miscarriages.
  • A deep-dive report on why even earnestly asking the most basic questions about the origins of COVID is now considered taboo.