Document Type
Report
Publication Date
11-2-2009
Keywords
Immunizations; Emergent Care; Vaccines; Insurance; Legal
Abstract
This analysis examines whether state insurance laws require health insurers, as a condition of doing business, to pay the costs associated with the administration of immunizations during declared public health emergencies. As is the case with the current H1N1 emergency, a public health emergency triggers nationwide distribution of free vaccine. But even when vaccine is distributed free of charge, its administration poses costs to private physicians and charges can be significant. As a result, the Institute of Medicine has identified vaccine administration as a potential financial barrier to care. Most communities have limited numbers of public health workers and professional health care volunteers, making private sector involvement essential.
APA Citation
Rosenbaum, S., Lopez, N., & Margulies, R. (2009). Analysis of the extent to which state insurance laws mandate coverage and payment of vaccines and vaccine administration fees during periods of declared public health emergencies. Washington, D.C.: Trust for America's Health.
Open Access
1
Comments
Issued as a supplement to Ready or Not? 2009 (Trust for America's Health). Also available on the Trust for America's Health website: http://healthyamericans.org/reports/bioterror09/pdf/Online%20Supplement_Vaccine%20Coverage%20during%20Emergencies.pdf.