Many people are experiencing COVID vaccine cost confusion and being asked to pay out of pocket due to delay in codingAs Americans roll up their sleeves to get the latest COVID booster, some are being asked to pay out of pocket."Trying to get my COVID booster this month and my insurance won't cover it. So that's fun.
"Well, the insurers are responsible for covering the new costs, the costs associated with the new vaccine. The department's working closely with insurers and with the pharmacies to make sure that the little glitches we're starting to see are being smoothed out as quickly as possible," said Dawn O'Connell.
CIGNA Healthcare said it updated its systems with the new codes almost two weeks ago, but some pharmacies are submitting claims incorrectly."We are aware of the unexpected delay in coding. As of Tuesday, September 19, the delay has been addressed and pharmacies are able to bill Independence directly."
For Medicare Advantage members, coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots are covered as a preventive service under Part B. For CHIP members, coverage of COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots are covered at no cost as a preventive service.