The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on the important role the federal government plays in the development and distribution of vaccines. Building on MACPAC’s September 2020 presentation, which focused on Medicaid coverage of vaccines in general and explored possible strategies to improve vaccine access for adult Medicaid beneficiaries, MACPAC identified if there are any issues in accessing the COVID-19 vaccine in Medicaid. We also examined whether any of our proposed policy options are well suited to address these issues, or if new policy options are needed.
This presentation provided an update on policy issues affecting the receipt of COVID vaccines among Medicaid beneficiaries, including the availability of vaccines and payment for administration. It summarized key findings from 11 stakeholder interviews that MACPAC conducted in early 2021, and described administrative and legislative action that will affect Medicaid coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine, including relief legislation currently being considered by Congress.