October 19, 2023
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on October 13 that HHS and Pfizer have reached an agreement that will transition Paxlovid, the COVID-19 therapeutic, to the commercial market.
Preparations for the transition will begin next month, but Paxlovid will remain available for ordering from HHS through December 15.
Individuals on Medicare and Medicaid will access free government-procured Paxlovid through a patient assistance program through the end of 2024. Individuals who are uninsured or underinsured will access free government-procured Paxlovid through a patient assistance program through the end of 2028.
Pfizer will operate a copay assistance program for those with private insurance through 2028. Pfizer has agreed to replenish any government-procured product that is about to expire with up-to-date product and has also agreed to provide HHS with a stockpile of 1 million treatment courses for future COVID-19 surges.
HHS is working on additional details, particularly about the patient assistance program. Pfizer has not yet announced cost details for Paxlovid, but there is media speculation that the cost will be several times the current government negotiated price of $530/course.
October 9, 2025
The MMA is partnering with Hennepin Healthcare to offer an in-person session on “Supporting Patients, Families, and Professionals in the Aftermath of Crisis” on October 21 from 6 to 8 pm in Room RL110 at the HCMC Red Building, 730 South 8th Street, in Minneapolis.
October 9, 2025
The MMA, in partnership with the Wisconsin Medical Society, will lead a panel discussion titled "The Role of Medical and Professional Societies in Supporting Clinicians and Community Health" at the Transforming Community and Rural Healthcare 2025: Bold Innovation and Partnerships symposium, to be held on October 27-28, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
October 2, 2025
The federal government shutdown will affect the Minnesota healthcare system in several important ways.