Updated COVID-19 vaccines are coming this fall. Will insurance cover them?

Key Points:

• Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer, and Sanofi were approved by the FDA and will be available in the U.S. this fall, with coverage expected by health insurance plans for the 2026-27 season in line with CDC recommendations.
• The Affordable Care Act mandates insurers cover vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) without cost-sharing, though recent changes and legal challenges to the ACIP's membership have created some uncertainty.
• Uninsured individuals may access free COVID-19 vaccines through state or local health departments, and eligible children can receive vaccines at no cost through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children program.
• The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all adults 19 and older, especially those 65+, people at increased risk, children 6 months to 23 months, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, emphasizing vaccination amid evolving federal guidance.
• Public health experts also urge staying current on influenza and RSV vaccines this season, highlighting their importance in preventing severe illness, with specific recommendations for older adults, infants, and pregnant people.