Tuesday, October 19, 2021: Providers

A new report from Kaufman Hall states that COVID-19 will force permanent changes to hospital staff and supply systems. Ninety-two percent of the 73 hospital and health system leaders surveyed said it is difficult to attract and retain support staff and almost all...

Tuesday, October 19, 2021: Payers

UnitedHealthcare announced it is launching a virtual-first health plan that will provide copay-free care for common in-person and telehealth services, plus virtual urgent care and coverage for most generic drugs. Premiums for NavigateNOW participants will be about 15...

Tuesday, October 19, 2021: Life Sciences

The FDA is moving toward a policy that would permit U.S. adults to receive a COVID-19 booster shot different from what they initially were administered. According to people familiar with the planning, the agency could recommend keeping brand consistency for a booster...

Tuesday, October 19, 2021: D.C. News

Senate democrats released nine remaining appropriations bills Monday in an effort to jump start bipartisan talks. Of note, the Labor-HHS-Education bill increases investments in public health preparedness and health equity; removes the so-called Hyde amendment, which...