As we step closer to the availability of the vaccine to the general population, employer groups will be considering many variables for their employees, including the availability of the vaccine, how their workforce fits into the phased rollout, vaccine costs, and what can be done now to prepare. In an effort to help local organization navigate these topics within the framework of their employer-sponsored medical plans, the Capstone Benefits Team has consolidated the most recent guidance being provided by the largest health insurers in our area:
Independence Blue Cross:
IBX does not specifically address how the plans will cover vaccinations, however the federal government has committed to providing the vaccine itself to the American public at no cost)
Click to Read More: IBX COVID Vaccine Update
Aetna:
Aetna will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines and their administration without cost sharing for Aetna members in all plans. Our coverage aligns with requirements in the CARES Act and the recent federal regulation. The requirement also applies to self-insured plans.
COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at pharmacies, including CVS, as well as doctors’ offices at other clinical sites of care. HHS recently announced a federal government partnership with large pharmacy chains and community pharmacies to access and administer COVID-19 vaccines as they become available.
Click to Read More: Aetna Vaccine FAQs
Cigna:
Will the vaccine be considered a preventive service waiving cost share for an employer’s workforce?
Any vaccine that receives FDA approval and is recommended by CDC (in partnership with guidance from ACIP), will be covered as a preventive service.
Will my health plan with Cigna cover the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine?
The vaccine will be covered as a preventive service. Initially, the cost of the vaccine serum will be paid by the government. We expect that providers’ charges for administering the vaccine will be paid under your Cigna medical plan, the same as any other immunization administration charge. We also expect that members enrolled in plans that cover preventive services at 100% will incur no additional cost.
Click to Read More: Cigna - Understanding COVID19 Vaccines
United Healthcare:
When COVID-19 vaccines are authorized by the FDA, members will have $0 cost-share (copayment, coinsurance or deductible), no matter where they get a vaccine, including when two doses are required, as outlined below:
Employer and Individual health plans: Members will have $0 cost-share at both in- and out-of-network providers through the national public health emergency period. This applies to fully insured and self-funded commercial health plans.
Click to Read More: UHC Preparing for COVID-10 Vaccine Authorization