Insurers may still cover COVID vaccine
Although the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is removing the recommendation that healthy children and pregnant women receive the COVID-19 vaccine, major insurers in North Carolina may still cover the cost of vaccinations.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said last week that the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC recommended immunization schedule.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most private insurance plans and Medicaid are required to cover recommended vaccines at no cost. If a vaccine is no longer recommended, insurers may choose not to cover it, leading to increased costs for individuals seeking vaccination.
The News & Observer reached out to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, major insurers in the state, as well as the state treasurer's office, which oversees the North Carolina State Health Plan, which provides health coverage for state employees.
Asked whether coverage policies for COVID-19 vaccinations will change in response to Kennedy's announcement, Blue Cross NC spokeswoman Sara Lang said: 'We will review any formal recommendation when it becomes available but expect to continue to offer coverage for members in previously approved age groups who wish to receive the vaccine.'
Loretta Boniti with the State Health Plan said the State Health Plan Board of Trustees voted on benefits for 2026 on May 20.
'We don't anticipate making any additional benefit changes. The State Health Plan will continue to cover the COVID-19 vaccine for Plan members at 100%, which means no cost-share for members,' she said in an email.
The board will vote on 2027 benefits in May 2026, she wrote.
Pat Ryan, North Carolina spokesperson for Aetna, said: 'Aetna is monitoring any changes made by the federal government' and 'will evaluate whether coverage adjustments are needed.'
UnitedHealthcare did not reply prior to publication.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.
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