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1 1 (February 19, 2021)

handle is hein.crs/govecfo0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congjressional SResearch Service COVID-19 Vaccine: Financing for Its Administration February 19, 2021 A U.S. COVID-19 vaccination campaign is underway. For this effort, all vaccines and some supplies for their administration to patients have been purchased by the federal government, with appropriations provided for this purpose. These are available at no cost to providers and patients. When the vaccine delivery approach allows for individual patient transactions, providers may seek reimbursement from available payers for their costs to administer the vaccines, including the costs of their time, vaccine storage, recordkeeping, and additional supplies. In general, by law and regulation, patients should not be charged for the COVID-19 vaccine or the costs of its administration during the campaign. There may be exceptions when the vaccine is administered during a visit in which other services-such as a check-up for a chronic condition-are also furnished, and a visit fee unrelated to vaccine administration may be billed. This Insight explores the provision of COVID-19 vaccines and payment for their administration, where applicable, from the perspectives of patients, providers, and public and private payers. It does not discuss (1) federal entities that provide direct health care services, such as the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs; (2) vaccination sites that are fully financed and do not involve individual patient transactions; or (3) payment policies that may apply after the initial vaccination campaign in spring 2021. Patients Patients are the persons who seek to be vaccinated. Currently, two COVID-19 vaccine formulations are available under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) granted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a priority order (based on age, risk factors, or essential work activities) for vaccination when it is in limited supply. State, city, and territorial officials may modify this guidance. States and localities are expected to create systems to furnish vaccines in priority order. This may involve both large-scale vaccination sites and other sites (e.g., pharmacies) that provide vaccines under federal contracts. Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN11609 CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress