Breaking: Updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available this fall, and insurance coverage is expected to continue despite a recent shift in recommendations from a key government advisory panel.
On friday, vaccine advisors selected by Health Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr. did not issue a specific advice for the updated COVID-19 shots, but affirmed individuals could choose to recieve them. The recommendations from the advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require sign-off by the agency’s director, a step typically followed.
While these recommendations usually trigger insurance coverage, officials have confirmed access will remain available. Several states are already allowing pharmacies – the moast common vaccination location – to administer the shots.
Many individuals begin seeking vaccination in late summer or early fall to prepare for potential winter surges.
Will Insurance Cover the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine?
Most insurers are expected to cover the updated vaccines, though it’s advisable to verify with yoru specific provider.
The Department of Health and Human Services stated Friday that the committee vote “provides for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms,” including Medicaid, the children’s Health Insurance Program, commercial coverage through health insurance marketplaces, and the federal Vaccines for children (VFC) program, which funds approximately half of U.S. childhood vaccinations annually.
The VFC program typically covers vaccines recommended by the CDC committee.
America’s health Insurance Plans, representing most major insurers excluding UnitedHealthcare, announced earlier this week that its members will continue to cover the shots at no cost to patients through 2026. UnitedHealthcare has also stated it will continue to cover the vaccine at no cost for its standard commercial coverage, which includes plans for individuals and small businesses.
Large employers who self-insure will independently decide on vaccine coverage.Though, they might potentially be incentivized to continue coverage to perhaps avoid costly hospitalizations associated with severe COVID-19 cases.
