HHS Promotes the COVID-19 Vaccine Through Increased Payment Rates and Other Policies - McDermott+Consulting
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HHS Promotes the COVID-19 Vaccine Through Increased Payment Rates and Other Policies

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On June 9, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an increase in the payment amount for administering in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to Medicare beneficiaries who have difficulty leaving their homes or are otherwise hard-to-reach.

The vaccine administration fee for at-home vaccinations will increase from approximately $40 to $75 per vaccine dose. This results in an increase from $70 to $150 for a two-dose vaccine. The increased payments account for increased administrative and clinical costs of administering the COVID-19 vaccine to this population.

This increase in payment and other policy efforts by the Administration are focused on meeting the goal set in early May of 70% of the US population receiving one vaccine by the July 4th holiday. Other efforts by the Administration include:

  • Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter to insurers and providers following recent reports of ongoing concerns about Americans facing costs associated with COVID-19 vaccinations or testing.
  • The COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force announced an increase in the number of pop-up and mobile units across the country and ensured that the majority of the 40,000 participating pharmacies are located in areas that are at higher risk. Pharmacies are now accepting walk-in appointments and have extended their hours.
  • Last month, President Biden announced a tax credit to fully reimburse employers with fewer than 500 employees that provide paid time off for vaccination and any side effects, and he called up every employer in the country to do the same.
  • Last week, the President announced that through July 4th, the nation’s largest childcare providers will offer free childcare to parents and caregivers getting vaccinated and anybody recuperating from vaccination.
  • The Department of Transportation announced that more than 350 transit agencies across the country are offering free rides to vaccination sites.

Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 emerging issues through the McDermottPlus Coronavirus Resource Center or the McDermott, Will & Emery Coronavirus Resource Center.

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For more information visit the McDermottPlus Payment Innovation Resource Center or contact Sheila Madhani, Mara McDermott or Katie Waldo.

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