FDA Approves New Covid-19 Vaccine for Seniors
According to a recent NBC News report, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new Covid-19 vaccine for adults aged 65 and older. However, there’s a catch—Medicare frequently doesn’t cover the cost of these vaccines.
Why It Matters
About 68 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare, depending on this government-run health insurance for various health services. Unfortunately, gaps in coverage can leave older individuals with hefty out-of-pocket expenses, which can seriously affect their quality of life, particularly if funds are limited.
What’s Going On?
In a report from NBC News, a 74-year-old Medicare recipient, Allison Engel from Pasadena, California, faced a $225 charge at CVS for the vaccine. She shared her experience, saying, “They entered everything and handed me a letter of rejection. They said it wasn’t in the Medicare system yet, so I should be back in two weeks.” Rather than wait, Engel opted to pay out of pocket for the new vaccine, hoping to get reimbursed later.
Meanwhile, Brandt Mittler, 78, from San Antonio, Texas, recounted a similar ordeal. “The pharmacist told my wife, ‘We had Medicare patients all day long, and everyone was upset because we couldn’t give it,'” he said. Fortunately, after some updates, he and his wife were able to get the vaccine.
This situation sharply contrasts with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent comments to a Senate Committee, where he stated that most Americans could easily access the Covid-19 vaccine at pharmacies. “Everyone can get a booster,” he insisted, “most Americans can get it from the pharmacy.”
The coverage gap might be due to a pending discussion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices, which typically occurs at the beginning of the year. However, this year’s meeting is slated for September 18.
On a related note, Medicare is generally expected to cover vaccines once they receive FDA approval. A CVS representative, Amy Thibault, mentioned to NBC News, “A small number of payers are still updating their systems and may not be set up yet to cover the updated Covid-19 vaccine. If this happens, our pharmacy team will help patients schedule appointments at a later date.”
Public Reactions
Arthur Caplan, a medical ethics expert at NYU Langone Medical Center, commented, “Medicare should cover the shots, but that’s not clearing things up for people. They’re still uncertain about their eligibility or risk group.”
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, highlighted the situation, saying, “People who can’t afford a shot go without, putting them in a risky position. Currently, the new community shots are primarily for those over 65 or with serious health risks.”
Meanwhile, Alex Bine, a financial literacy instructor, noted that while this development seems expected as the pandemic subsides, setbacks are still possible, emphasizing, “Reality remains common, and we might face considerable challenges from the virus.”
Looking Ahead
If Medicare continues to exclude the new Covid vaccines, older adults could face greater health risks. Bine remarked, “The lack of coverage can lead to fewer vaccinations and potentially heightened health risks. The financial burden can be a deterrent, which is truly unfortunate.”
