Medicare said Tuesday it will limit coverage of a $28,000-a-year Alzheimer’s drug whose benefits have been widely questioned, a major development in the nation’s tug-of-war over the fair value of new medicines that offer tantalizing possibilities but come with prohibitive prices. The initial determination from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services means that patients … Read more
The Biden administration came under fire for its pandemic response and communications as the omicron variant continues to drive U.S. Covid-19 cases. Conflicting guidance on issues such as boosters and testing have left the public confused about how best to protect themselves, Republican Senator Richard Burr, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, … Read more
As the Omicron variant spreads across the globe, we are reminded again that a pandemic is a disease of populations, not of individuals, and population-level problems require collective solutions. This is why societies with high levels of social capital—bonds of affection and networks of trust among people—have better weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and suffered lower … Read more
During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients’ fears of getting infected in health care settings pushed many to use telehealth from the comfort of their own homes. That has come with some upsides. As telehealth has become more common, many providers and patients alike have appreciated the ease and convenience of doctors’ appointments from home, and it’s … Read more
(WASHINGTON) — Starting Saturday, private health insurers will be required to cover up to eight home COVID-19 tests per month for people on their plans. The Biden administration announced the change Monday as it looks to lower costs and make testing for the virus more convenient amid rising frustrations. Under the new policy, first detailed … Read more
The list of symptoms associated with COVID-19 is long, spanning everything from lost taste and smell to skin conditions. But since the pandemic began, health authorities have emphasized a few hallmark signs, namely coughing and fever. As people the world over are finding, though, cases related to the Omicron variant don’t always produce those symptoms. … Read more
The huge increase in COVID-19 cases across the country in recent weeks has shown that the pandemic is not over and highlighted that we must keep working together to slow the spread of the virus, protect others and reduce pressure on the NHS. Regular testing, and self-isolating when needed, is essential to reduce COVID-19 transmission … Read more
While cases have surged and the variant is more transmissible, omicron seems less likely to result in death or severe hospitalizations compare to other coronavirus variants View original article Contributor: Shelly Tan
With millions of children now eligible for the coronavirus vaccine, many families are still anxiously awaiting the shots for children under 5. View original article Contributor: Lindsey Bever
Lawmakers accused top Biden administration health officials of neglecting virus testing and mangling key messaging around the pandemic. View original article Contributor: Noah Weiland and Sharon LaFraniere