New Federal Rule Makes COVID-19 Vaccines Free

"The idea here is, we want to increase access and make it as convenient as possible for both Medicare and Medicaid recipients to get the vaccine,” Verma said. This will build on what happens during flu season, in which pharmacies become mass immunizers. Beyond pharmacies, Verma envisions that schools, public health clinics and other nontraditional providers will be enlisted to help get the vaccine delivered to as many people as possible and as quickly as possible.

The regulation makes it clear that any Medicare copays, deductibles or coinsurance charges will be waived for the vaccines, whether a beneficiary is enrolled in original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

The rule also requires providers of COVID-19 tests to post the cash price of their test online. Those who fail to do so could face fines of up to $300 a day. While Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers must offer coronavirus testing at no charge in most cases, people without insurance often have to pay, and the costs of such tests vary widely.

Under the regulation, the federal government will make additional payments to hospitals caring for COVID-19 patients, with innovative new products authorized or approved to treat the virus. The goal, Verma said, is to make sure hospitalized patients get the most effective treatment at no cost to the patient.

CMS has also worked with the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Treasury Department to require private health insurance plans to cover a recommended COVID-19 vaccine with no cost sharing — whether a consumer is getting the vaccine from an in-network or out-of-network provider. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), such preventive vaccinations must be provided free of charge. Medical professionals will also be reimbursed for vaccinating uninsured Americans.

CMS to urge Medicare beneficiaries to get vaccinated

While not included in Wednesday's announcement, Verma said her department is working on a campaign to communicate with Medicare beneficiaries on the importance of taking a COVID-19 vaccine. Recent AARP public opinion surveys in 11 battleground states found that among age 50-plus voters, about half would take a vaccine offered at no cost. About 25 percent of those polled said they weren't sure.

CMS has already announced a partnership with CVS and Walgreens to allow the pharmacy chains to go into nursing homes to provide vaccinations at no charge to residents and staff.

"We want to make sure that as soon as this vaccine gets approved, that it's distributed and it's getting to the highest risk patients — our nursing home residents as well as our seniors,” Verma said.