STAT+: Insurance coverage of vaccines at risk in RFK Jr.\u2019s reshuffling of CDC\u2019s vaccine advisers
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The decision by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove<\/a> and replace<\/a> all members of the government\u2019s independent vaccine advisory committee doesn\u2019t just change how the nation will approach vaccine policy<\/a>. It could also take money out of Americans\u2019 wallets.<\/p>\n Right now, anyone with health insurance \u2014 adults and children alike \u2014 who wants a vaccine that is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices can get it for free. But if ACIP takes vaccines off its recommended list<\/a>, or doesn\u2019t give its stamp of approval to a future shot, health insurers would not be obligated to cover it.<\/p>\n That would create serious financial problems for people, researchers and consumer advocates say. Changes to ACIP\u2019s vaccine guidance under Kennedy would not only cost Americans more money if insurers alter their coverage, but could also reduce uptake of vaccines if people can\u2019t afford higher copays or a vaccine\u2019s full list price.<\/p>\n Continue to STAT+ to read the full story\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n