About the public’s health
Influential Covid-19 model uses flawed methods and shouldn’t guide U.S. policies, critics say: The University of Washington predictions for COVID-19 spread have been used by policy makers for addressing the epidemiology of this disease. This article is an excellent summary of the critiques of the model.
No proof of immunity in recovered coronavirus patients, says WHO: “Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, Dr Maria van Kerchief said: ‘There are a lot of countries that are suggesting using rapid diagnostic serological tests to be able to capture what they think will be a measure of immunity. Right now, we have no evidence the use of a serological test can show that an individual has immunity or is protected from reinfection.’”
Twelve takeaways from the 1918 flu epidemic that help us think about the novel coronavirus: This interview with the author of “The Great Influenza,” John M. Barry provides useful historical insights into our current pandemic. I enjoyed reading the book several years ago; it is worth your time to gain its insights.
FDA, CDC, NIH to begin validating COVID-19 antibody tests as more enter the market: “The FDA will work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the infectious disease and cancer research arms of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help generate validation data and make sure blood tests are finely tuned to detect the specific antibodies for the novel coronavirus and not for other pathogens, which may cause false positive results.”
About healthcare IT
CDC to launch clinical reporting app for COVID-19 in May: “For providers that don't have EHRs with the ability to electronically send case reports, CDC is creating a FHIR-based app to connect COVID-19 electronic case reporting (eCR) to existing health IT infrastructure to confirm cases and route the data to appropriate end users. The goal is to give public health officials a more accurate, timely picture of the pandemic.”
About healthcare finance
Private equity pushes into healthcare: 11 latest deals: Investments continue despite COVID-19. The article explains 11 private equity deals announced since March 1.
About pharma
Temporary Policy for Compounding of Certain Drugs for Hospitalized Patients by Outsourcing Facilities During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Because of past contamination problems at compounding pharmacies, the FDA recently enhanced (and in some cases began) regulation of those facilities. In the face of potential drug shortages, the FDA is “temporarily” relaxing regulation.
16 recent drug, device recalls: “16 reported to the FDA in the last two months.”
Lilly's half-price, generic insulins now available: “‘Authorized generic’ versions of two of Eli Lilly's most popular insulins are now available for order by U.S. pharmacies, with list prices 50% lower than the companys branded versions, according to an industry press release.”
With Federal Nod, Consumers Could Lose The Boost They Get From Drug ‘Coupons’: The federal government is allowing Exchange plans to exclude the value of drug coupons when calculating deductibles and out of pocket limits- thus shifting some costs to members.
About health insurance
2020 Medical Loss Ratio Rebates: From the Kaiser Family Foundation: “Using preliminary data reported by insurers to state regulators and compiled by Market Farrah Associates, we estimate insurers will be issuing a total of about $2.7 billion across all markets – nearly doubling the previous record high of $1.4 billion last year. The amount varies by market, with insurers reporting about $2 billion in the individual market, $348 million in the small group market, and $341 million in the large group market. These amounts are preliminary estimates, and final rebate data will be available later this year.” The article has historical graphs of the MLR as well. The actual MLR will largely depend on the increased costs of treating COVID-19 offset by reductions in costs from elective procedures.
In Fine Print, HHS Appears To Ban All Surprise Billing During The Pandemic: “Federal officials offering emergency funding to hospitals, clinics and doctors’ practices have included this stipulation: They cannot foist surprise medical bills on COVID-19 patients.
But buried in the Department of Health and Human Services’ terms and conditions for eligibility is language that could carry much broader implications. It says ‘HHS broadly views every patient as a possible case of COVID-19,’ the guidance states.” We will need to see how this provision plays out, but could be a significant step to remove surprise billing.