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CDC's Covid-19 Vaccine Decision Sparks Insurer Debate on Coverage

CDC's new recommendation for Covid-19 vaccines raises questions about insurers' responsibilities. Major players pledge no-cost coverage, but debates persist.

In this image we can see few people standing and a person is holding a vaccine bottle and there is...
In this image we can see few people standing and a person is holding a vaccine bottle and there is a calendar and text on the image.

CDC's Covid-19 Vaccine Decision Sparks Insurer Debate on Coverage

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) move towards shared clinical decision-making for Covid-19 vaccines has sparked debate among insurers regarding their coverage obligations. Meanwhile, some states and major insurers have committed to ensuring no-cost coverage for most Americans.

The CDC's shift in recommendation for Covid-19 vaccines has raised concerns about insurers' responsibilities. Some insurers might argue they aren't mandated to cover the full cost of the vaccine, currently priced at about $140, due to the lack of a full Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation. However, the American Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), representing over 200 million Americans, has pledged to cover all ACIP-recommended vaccines, including Covid-19, at no cost to patients until 2026. This commitment includes large US health insurers such as UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, Elevance, Cigna, and Kaiser.

Insurers may debate whether shared decision-making recommendations qualify for no-cost coverage under Obamacare's mandate. At least 13 states have taken steps to require insurers to provide free Covid-19 vaccines to patients. Most Americans with health insurance should not have to pay out of pocket for Covid-19 vaccines due to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid coverage requirements.

The CDC's decision on Covid-19 vaccine recommendations has led to discussions among insurers about their coverage obligations. While some insurers might argue about the full cost, major insurers and states have committed to ensuring no-cost coverage for most Americans. The situation is evolving, and it's crucial to stay updated on the latest guidelines and commitments from insurers and state authorities.

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