HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a letter stating that the COVID-19 vaccine should not have any patient care costs. This letter was issued to payers and providers.
This precisely had always been stressed upon. Providers had signed agreements with HHS to give the vaccine to people with no patient financial responsibility.
Also, payers need to have a legal requirement to extend COVID-19 vaccinations and testing without patient financial responsibility.
Becerra mentioned in the letter that COVID-19 vaccines and their administration are free for anyone living in the United States irrespective of their insurance or immigration status.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement has to be signed by all providers administering COVID-19 vaccines.
Becerra also stressed the conditions to provide other services while providing the COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
Providers should not mandate patients to get additional healthcare services while they opt for vaccination appointments and HHS acknowledged the fact that it would result in surprise medical billing.
Providers should refrain from charging a fee if the COVID-19 vaccination is the only service the patient is opting for.
Providers who administer the vaccine to underinsured or uninsured patients can bill the Health Resources and Services Administration COVID-19 Uninsured and COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund programs.
Becerra mentioned that providers who had charged patients and received payments from patients have to reimburse them. If they fail to comply with these rules it will lead to HHS Office of the Inspector General investigation and reinforcement. This will be in addition to any enforcement for non-compliance with CDC mandates.