Summary
Massachusetts is the first state in the U.S. to require health insurers to cover vaccines recommended by its own public health department. This decision comes amid potential federal rollbacks on vaccine recommendations. The move is supported by major local health insurance organizations.
Key Facts
- Massachusetts will make health insurers cover vaccines recommended by its public health department.
- This new rule applies even if the federal government changes its vaccine coverage guidelines.
- Currently, health insurers must cover vaccines recommended by the CDC without charging patients extra money.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans support this directive.
- Governor Maura Healey proposed legislation allowing state health officials to set their own vaccine standards.
- The state is considering working with other northeastern states to create shared vaccine guidelines and public health policies.
- This initiative is part of a broader response to potential changes in federal vaccine policies.
