MRCS Weekly Recap 22 (6.27.2022 - 7.3.2022)

1. COVID

Pfizer and BioNTech are starting to plan clinical trials on universal covid vaccine booster shots. These have been studied for a long time but are now being tested in full effect to combat new strains of the virus. FDA advisers are recommending that people get another COVID booster shot for the fall. The FDA panel voted 19-2 in favor of the new booster shots to contain some version of the omicron variant.

2. Policy Updates

As part of the price transparency rule, insurers must list their negotiated rates with in-network providers and the out-of-network allowed amount. Enforcement of the payer version was delayed until July 1, 2922. The price for care will finally be available to all patients giving patients a clearer picture of what insurers and employers will pay for their care.

House lawmakers are looking to allocate over $242 billion to improve public health infrastructure in 2023. The bill would increase the CDC and NIH's funding and increase ARPS-H (research on ALS, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and cancer) by more than $1.75 billion.