As federal funding starts to run out for COVID-19, the Biden administration is taking the steps to transfer the financial burden of vaccines and treatment to the private sector. The transition likely will take months to complete, and ultimately will see health plans exerting greater control over cost and coverage and consumers paying more out of their pockets. “There are issues of reimbursement, equitable access to vaccines and treatment, and distribution that need to be resolved,” said Anne McDonald Pritchett, senior vice president at Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. HHS is assembling drugmakers, pharmacies, and other stakeholders for an August 30 meeting to discuss these and other particulars. “We want to make sure everyone who needs access gets access,” emphasized Dawn O’Connell, HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response. Meanwhile, the government’s move to extract itself from the COVID vaccine and drug market will mean a probable financial boon for companies like Pfizer and Moderna. (Read More) – May Require Paid Subscription