Allina Health Physicians Vote to Authorize Strike
July 9, 2026
More than 130 Allina Health hospital physicians represented by Doctors Council SEIU voted last week, by a 90% margin, to authorize a strike after nearly two years of bargaining.
HHS Continues to Work on Transition of Paxlovid to Commerical Market
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.
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MMA Launches New Program to Strengthen Physician Well-being
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The MMA is launching a new program, exclusive to members, to strengthen physician well-being, reduce professional isolation, build a culture of connection, and foster sustained peer connections over time.
State Pursuing Medicaid Expansion to Treat Incarcerated People
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