The money would pay for a multifaceted attack on a virus that is spreading more widely every day, sending financial markets spiraling, disrupting travel and potentially threatening the U.S. economy's decade-long expansion.
Pence convened his first meeting of the Coronavirus Task Force on Thursday, one day after President Donald Trump made him the government's point-person for the epidemic.
The White House has considered naming a virus czar, and HHS Secretary Alex Azar himself was said to be supportive of naming a czar.
A major focus is to try to improve follow-up care for patients after they are discharged from hospitals, an area in which Medicare is increasingly holding hospitals accountable.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar says the Food and Drug Administration will develop guidelines to remove all e-cigarette flavors from the market, especially those favored by children.
Federal health officials are issuing a national warning against marijuana use by adolescents and pregnant women, as more states legalize some forms of the drug's use.
The move would reverse years of opposition from federal health authorities amid a public outcry over high prices for life-sustaining medications.
This week, the Trump administration reversed its position on reforming the drug rebate system. Analysts and advocates say there may be better approaches to lower out-of-pocket costs.
Uncertainty around the costs of prescription drugs and health care in general is worrying Americans. A recent study found that one in six were surprised by a medical bill from a hospital treatment in 2017. On Monday, President Trump issued…
"What I say to the companies is if you think the cost of your drug will scare people from buying your drugs, then lower your prices," said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.
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