This week, ASHP, along with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, the American Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the National Community Pharmacists Association, and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations sent letters to some of the nation's largest health insurers and their trade association requesting that insurers maintain existing coverage for vaccines without increases or changes to patient cost-sharing.
Letters sent to Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, AHIP, United Healthcare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, and Cigna highlighted our concerns about ongoing access to vaccines after changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The organizations emphasized that the science underpinning the role of vaccines in disease prevention remains unchanged. The letters urge insurers to continue to cover vaccines without imposing increased cost burdens for patients — unless there is clear evidence of harm or a high likelihood of adverse effects.
ASHP remains committed to ensuring that patients can access safe and affordable medications, including vaccines, through pharmacists and other trusted providers. Vaccines remain one of the most effective and affordable preventive tools available, and as national health policy shifts, we will continue to advocate for coverage decisions that protect our patients and communities.
