Excellus BlueCross BlueShield says it will continue to cover the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters for members despite conflicting federal directives.
The move mirrors decisions by other insurers nationally, thus far, but changing federal guidance has opened the door for providers to stop coverage, raising concern about access.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced last week that the shots would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. The decision reportedly blindsided staffers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which soon backtracked, at least where children were concerned, saying the decision should be made in consultation with the child's pediatrician.
The muddled positions have sparked some fears for those wanting the shots that they would not be able to get them or would have to pay high prices to do so.
In a statement to WXXI News, the region’s largest insurer wrote:
"The COVID vaccine is currently recommended, and at this time will continue to be covered for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members.
"For nearly all members, the COVID vaccine is covered at 100%. Excellus BCBS covers immunizations as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and there have been no benefit changes related to vaccination coverage, including COVID vaccines, for this calendar year."
