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.
July 10, 2025
With the passage of President Trump’s budget bill, many in healthcare are wondering how it will affect the practice of medicine in the United States, and how it will impact the health of Minnesotans.
July 10, 2025
With an overwhelming 90% vote of support, Allina Health physicians, physicians’ assistants, and nurse practitioners voted to authorize a strike if the members of the Doctors Council – SEIU and Allina cannot reach a deal.
July 10, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Equitable Health Care Task Force is seeking public comment on its draft recommendations for improving health equity across the state.