Reimbursement for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Nearly Doubled

On March 15, CMS announced that it was increasing the Medicare payment for administering COVID-19 vaccines to an average of $40 per dose, up from the previous averages of $28.39 for single-dose vaccines; and $16.94 (1st dose), then $28.39 (2nd dose) for two-dose vaccines. (The exact payment rate depends on the type of entity furnishing the service and geographic adjustments.) And the American Rescue Plan mandated that the federal government now fully cover COVID-19 shots for Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. Patients continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines for free—regardless of health coverage type/status—with no applicable copayment, coinsurance or deductible.