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Leaders from both HHS and Pfizer highlighted the importance of continued affordable and
equitable access to Paxlovid as it transitions to the commercial market
On Monday, January 22, HHS and Pfizer leadership met virtually with health care provider groups, including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and others – highlighting the pathways for a smooth transition of oral antivirals for COVID-19, including Paxlovid, to the commercial market and the importance of provider education and clear communication to consumers.
During the call, HHS leadership reminded providers that no patient should be forced to pay the full out-of-pocket cost to access Paxlovid, regardless of their insurance status. Providers should take steps to ensure patients understand the full range of options when it comes to accessing these life-saving treatments and anyone who is facing difficulties at the pharmacy counter should be directed to the PAXCESS patient assistance program (PAP).
Per the agreement with Pfizer announced on October 13, 2023, all individuals on Medicare, Medicaid, and those who are uninsured will continue to be able to access Paxlovid for free through the end of 2024. Additionally, on January 4, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance that describes how Medicare Part D plans can operationalize agreements with Pfizer that will allow their enrollees to access Paxlovid for free through the plan without needing to enroll in the PAP.
Pfizer leadership also provided a demonstration of the PAXCESS PAP and detailed the resources available for both providers and patients on Paxlovid’s website – including prescriber information, drug interactions, PAP details, locations where people can find Paxlovid, and a hotline for patients.
The call included participants from the groups below:
The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic progress in our nation’s ability to manage COVID-19 so that it no longer meaningfully disrupts the way we live our lives. For the first time, vaccines are available to protect older adults in the United States against all three winter respiratory illnesses – COVID-19, flu, and RSV – and there are millions of courses of free USG Paxlovid at provider sites across the country available by the federal government. Free COVID-19 tests are also available at COVIDTests.gov.
Today’s call is part of a series of recent actions HHS has taken to maintain broad access to oral antivirals for COVID-19 as part of the transition to the commercial market:
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