New COVID Vaccine Rollout: Insurance Coverage and Availability for Older Adults
The rollout of the new COVID vaccine has brought about some changes in terms of insurance coverage and availability for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended an extra vaccine dose for this age group, which means that health insurers are now required to cover the cost of the additional dose. This update is due to the higher risk levels faced by older adults and their increased vulnerability to the virus.
Unlike previous rounds of the vaccine, the latest COVID vaccine is not being referred to as a “booster.” Instead, it is being called a “new” or “updated” vaccine for 2023-2024. This new vaccine has been developed to target the omicron variant known as XBB.1.5, which is a more recent strain of the coronavirus.
One major change that started in 2023 is that the federal government has stopped covering the cost of COVID vaccines. The shots have transitioned into the traditional healthcare market, and for most people with health insurance, their insurer will now cover the cost of getting the new COVID vaccine. This is similar to how flu shots are covered by insurance plans. County public health officials recommend seeking out the new vaccine through healthcare providers, as county-run vaccination sites are primarily targeted towards uninsured individuals.
For those without insurance, the White House will cover the costs of COVID vaccines through a federal program called the Bridge Access Program until December 2024. However, this means that individuals may have a narrower choice of places to get vaccinated.
It is important for individuals with health insurance to ensure that they are receiving their COVID shot at a location that accepts their insurance. This is especially crucial when going to a pharmacy. Health systems like Kaiser Permanente have their own processes and systems for administering the new COVID vaccine, and individuals with insurance through Kaiser may not be able to get their vaccine at a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens.
The Novavax COVID vaccine is also available alongside the new vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. The Novavax vaccine is a non-mRNA, protein-based vaccine and has shown to cause fewer side effects in clinical trials.
The cost of the vaccine will be covered by health insurance for most individuals. However, for those without insurance, the White House’s Bridge Access Program will cover the costs of COVID vaccines. Vaccination locations participating in this program can be found on the federal government’s vaccines.gov website.
Individuals who are 65 or older and have recently had COVID are advised to delay getting their extra COVID vaccine dose by three months from the onset of symptoms or the date of a positive test.
To find an extra COVID vaccine dose, individuals can visit local pharmacies, check with their healthcare providers, use the vaccines.gov website, or utilize the state’s My Turn website. It is important to ensure that the chosen location offers the specific brand of vaccine needed and to schedule the appointment at least four months after the last COVID vaccine dose or three months after the last infection.
Overall, the rollout of the new COVID vaccine has brought changes in terms of insurance coverage and availability for older adults. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of these changes and to seek out the vaccine through appropriate channels to ensure coverage and accessibility.
