Category: NPR

Moderna’s COVID vaccine gambit: Hike the price, offer free doses for uninsured

Once U.S. stockpiles of COVID-19 vaccine run out, Moderna says it might charge as much as $130 per dose, but give people who lack health insurance a break. Critics say that’s not enough help.

Medical debt affects millions, and advocates push IRS, consumer agency for relief

More than 50 consumer and patient groups want the Biden Administration to aggressively protect Americans from medical bills and debt collectors. The effort follows a KHN/NPR investigation.

A roadblock to life-saving addiction treatment is gone. Now what?

Federal restrictions seemed to explain why many doctors weren’t prescribing medication for opioid addiction. But some caution that removing those rules isn’t enough to overcome hesitancy and stigma.

In Texas, Medicaid ends soon after childbirth. Will lawmakers allow more time?

In Texas, many uninsured people can access Medicaid if they get pregnant. But 2 months after giving birth, the coverage ends. Advocates say new moms need a full year, to improve maternal health.

Walgreens won’t sell abortion pills in red states that threatened legal action

The 20 states where Walgreens won’t sell mifepristone include some where abortion remains legal. It’s not clear whether other retail pharmacies will follow suit.

FDA has new leverage over companies looking for a quicker drug approval

The Food and Drug Administration has new tools to hold drug companies accountable for promises they make about medications. But the agency has yet to show its hand in using this new power.

Moderna announced a free COVID vaccine program. But will that be accessible enough?

Moderna said people without insurance will be able to get its COVID vaccine at no cost after the U.S. government bows out. But patients will have to use the company’s cumbersome assistance program.

Where this doctor finds hope amid her country’s record cholera outbreak

Treating cholera has been a passion for Bangladeshi scientist Firdausi Qadri. She reflects on her career and inspirations, cholera’s scourge, as well as successes in combating the disease.

Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks comments on why it’s cutting insulin prices now

NPR’s Ailsa Chang talks with Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks about the company’s move to reduce prices on some older insulins and cap how much people have to pay out of their own pocket.

Eli Lilly cuts some older insulin prices and caps out-of-pocket costs

An insulin maker is cutting its prices. Eli Lilly, one of the three makers of insulin products in the United States, is also making other moves toward affordability for people with diabetes.