COVID-19 pill Paxlovid moves closer to full FDA approval
The medication has been used by millions of Americans since the FDA granted it emergency use authorization in late 2021.
Health Care & Insurance
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Data shows mental health, education declines for Hoosier children
The Hoosier State continues to lag its peers when it comes to child wellbeing, ranking 28th overall—just one place ahead of its ranking last year. But it has made strides in reducing the number of foster children in the state.
IU med school shuts down research project that used expired supplies on pigs
Fred Cate, IU’s vice president for research, informed federal officials that the research group had “a pattern of non-compliance” and had been warned several times against using expired materials.
Following Lilly’s lead, Novo Nordisk plans insulin price cuts
Novo Nordisk will start slashing some U.S. insulin prices up to 75% next year, following a path set earlier this month by rival Eli Lilly and Co.
Mark Isenberg: Make insurance companies the initial payer of care
Why is the risk of collecting on high-deductible plans sitting squarely on the shoulders of hospitals and physicians?
Brian Tabor: Don’t fall for insurance companies’ dishonest word games
Some major insurance companies and their front groups are misleading policymakers at state and federal levels by trying to rebrand long-standing policies as “dishonest billing.”
Report finds family caregivers provide $10.8B in unreimbursed care in Indiana
Most Americans are unprepared for long-term care as they age, relying heavily upon family caregivers to provide the support and assistance they need.
Franciscan Health names new central Indiana chief
In her new role, Lori Price will oversee four facilities: Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Franciscan Health Mooresville, Franciscan Health Orthopedic Hospital Carmel and Franciscan Health Carmel.
Lawmakers hear theories on COVID-19 origins in U.S. House hearing
Democrats and Republicans mostly agreed Wednesday that scientists and the intelligence community should fully investigate the origins of COVID-19 without political interference over whether the virus emerged from nature or through a lab leak.
Lilly’s older Alzheimer’s drug fails to prevent disease in trial
Eli Lilly said the study concludes its clinical development of solanezumab, apparently shutting the door on one of the most closely watched experimental drugs over the past decade.
Biden proposes new taxes on rich to help fund Medicare
The proposed hike would likely increase tax revenues by more than $117 billion over 10 years, according to estimates by the Tax Policy Center.
Walgreens says it won’t sell abortion pills in Indiana, even though it remains legal
The decision comes after Attorney General Todd Rokita and 19 other attorneys general threatened legal action if the pharmacy company sells the pills by mail.
COVID-related business closures not ‘physical loss’ under insurance policy, appeals court affirms
Continuing a trend in Indiana courts, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has once again ruled that COVID-related business closures do not qualify as “physical losses” eligible for insurance coverage.
Health care bills aim to reform insurance, Medicaid reimbursement rates
A slew of health care bills moving through the legislature target high prices for Hoosiers by encouraging competition and restructuring how the state pays for services under Medicaid.
Senate advances bill banning gender-transition care for minors
The bill would ban the use of puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapies and surgical procedures—but only if the minor is diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
Herbal painkiller kratom could become legal again in Indiana
Kratom was legal in Indiana until 2014, when state lawmakers banned the substance in anticipation of similar action at the federal level. But the FDA has failed to outlaw kratom, despite numerous attempts.
Millions who rely on Medicaid might be booted from program
As states begin checking everyone’s eligibility for Medicaid for the first time in three years, as many as 14 million people could lose access to that coverage.
IU Health’s operating income falls 25%, squeezed by labor shortage, rising expenses
IU Health said it responded to its highest patient demand ever last year, driven by surges in COVID-19 cases, high counts of critically ill patients, and the need to perform surgeries and other procedures delayed in the pandemic.
Humana lays out exit from employer-sponsored coverage
Enrollment growth in employer-sponsored insurance has stagnated for many years for insurers, including market leaders like UnitedHealthcare and Indianapolis-based Elevance Health Inc.
Study: Smoking costs Hoosier businesses $3.1B annually in ‘hidden tax’
The Indianapolis-based foundation said the study, announced Thursday, shows that if the state cigarette tax increased by $2 per pack, from the current 99 cents per pack, an estimated 45,000 Hoosier adults would stop smoking.