COVID-19 Vaccine: Financing for Its Administration
Abstract
A U.S. COVID-19 vaccination campaign is underway. For this effort, all vaccines and some supplies for their administration to patients have been purchased by the federal government, with appropriations provided for this purpose. These are available at no cost to providers and patients. When the vaccine delivery approach allows for individual patient transactions, providers may seek reimbursement from available payers for their costs to administer the vaccines, including the costs of their time, vaccine storage, recordkeeping, and additional supplies. In general, by law and regulation, patients should not be charged for the COVID-19 vaccine or the costs of its administration during the campaign. There may be exceptions when the vaccine is administered during a visit in which other services - such as a check-up for a chronic condition - are also furnished, and a visit fee unrelated to vaccine administration may be billed. This Insight explores the provision of COVID-19 vaccines and payment for their administration, where applicable, from the perspectives of patients, providers, and public and private payers. It does not discuss (1) federal entities that provide direct health care services, such as the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs; (2) vaccination sites that are fully financed and do not involve individual patient transactions; or (3) payment policies that may apply after the initial vaccination campaign in spring 2021.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 19, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1148085
Entities
People
- Elayne J. Heisler
- Evelyne P. Baumrucker
- Jim Hahn
- Sarah A. Lister
- Vanessa C. Forsberg
Organizations
- Library of Congress