 Health Care |
Health Care |
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Pfizer's antiviral Paxlovid more than doubles in price |
The COVID-19 antiviral has been free to customers in the U.S. since it was first authorized in 2021. As it moves to the commercial market, its price tag is seeing a dramatic jump. |
The federal government has so far been purchasing courses of Paxlovid at a discounted rate of $530. Pfizer on Thursday confirmed the commercial list price for its treatment will be $1,390.
The context: - The price was always expected to jump just as the price for COVID vaccines did when the federal government stopped subsidizing immunizations.
- But that change wasn't felt by many, as insurers were required to cover the shots at no cost as preventive services and provisions were made for uninsured people to receive free vaccines.
- Unlike the vaccines, Paxlovid is not a preventive service and is prescribed after a SARS-CoV-2 infection has been confirmed.
The Department of Health and Human Services said last week that people on Medicare and Medicaid as well as uninsured individuals will still have access to free Paxlovid through the end of next year. Pfizer said Thursday it's working with health care payers to facilitate a low out-of-pocket cost for patients. AHIP, the trade association for health insurance companies, was none too happy with news of the price hike, saying "drug manufacturers continue to gouge the American public." "Health insurance providers will continue to cover medically appropriate drugs and will provide access to Paxlovid when appropriate," the organization said regarding coverage.
Rounds of Paxlovid authorized under the original Emergency Use Authorization are still available for the time being, and these courses are available for free. While commercialization begins next month, Pfizer is anticipating commercialized Paxlovid to not become widespread until next year. |
Welcome to The Hill's Health Care newsletter, I'm Joseph Choi — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health. |
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How policy will be impacting the health care sector this week and beyond: |
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CVS is pulling some common cold medicines from its shelves in the wake of a recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee’s finding that an active ingredient in them is not effective. "We are aware of the FDA Advisory Committee's position on oral phenylephrine (PE) and will follow direction from the FDA to ensure products we sell comply with all laws and regulations," CVS said in an emailed statement … |
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Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have reintroduced the Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services (MOMMIES) Act in an effort to address consistent racial maternal health disparities and mortality rates. The bill, originally introduced by the two legislators in 2019, would push for more affordable health care for pregnant people by expanding Medicaid … |
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We hold a deep respect for the value of every mind. |
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Branch out with a different read from The Hill: |
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FDA is thinking about a ban on hair-straightening chemicals. Stylists say Black women have moved on |
ATLANTA (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering a ban on certain hair-straightening chemicals that have been used by Black women for years and that research shows may increase the risk of uterine cancer. But Black hair stylists say such products — specifically the ones being looked at by the FDA, which contain formaldehyde … | |
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Local and state headlines on health care: |
- Georgia settles suit and agrees to pay for gender-affirming care for trans workers under state health plan (Georgia Recorder)
- Boston Medical Center is using solar to give patients a powerful prescription: electric bill help (WBUR)
- Are Iowa's medical licensing applications too nosy about mental health? Why that may change (The Des Moines Register)
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Health news we've flagged from other outlets: |
- Under fire, Social Security chief vows 'top-to-bottom' review of payment clawbacks (KFF Health News)
- A 50-year battle over one additive highlights FDA's challenges with food safety (Stat)
- Tropical disease now endemic in U.S., CDC says. In deadlier form, it's coming via dogs. (USA Today)
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Most read stories on The Hill right now: |
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Several opponents of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) left a meeting with him Thursday vowing to maintain their resistance. That … Read more |
| Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) scolded Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) during a closed-door GOP conference meeting Thursday, telling the Florida … Read more |
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You're all caught up. See you tomorrow! |
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