On Tuesday, the Biden administration introduced a program worth $1.1 billion that aims to offer COVID-19 vaccines and treatments to uninsured individuals without charge once the federal supply has run out.
The initiative will be divided into two parts, and it will involve the use of pharmacies, locally-run health departments, and health centers supported by the federal government to deliver COVID-19 care.
According to Politico, the program is being launched as the White House gets ready to conclude its pandemic response operation, which has been in place for some time.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Uninsured Americans
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a new program called the 'HHS Bridge Access Program for COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Program' to ensure that millions of uninsured Americans can continue to access Covid-19 vaccines.
The Biden administration aims to establish a public-private partnership worth $1.1 billion, enabling uninsured individuals to receive Covid-19 care through their local pharmacies, public health infrastructure, and health centers.
The program is divided into two parts. The first part involves a public-private partnership with local and national pharmacies, which administer most adult Covid-19 vaccinations.
The government will pay a per-dose fee to pharmacies to cover the cost of administering vaccines and treatments, such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio, antiviral medications.
According to the HHS, the second part of the program will leverage local health departments and federally supported health centers that usually care for uninsured individuals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will purchase vaccines for distribution to these departments and centers.
The Health Resources and Services Administration will provide assistance in delivering vaccines and treatments to its network of health centers.
The federal government anticipates being able to purchase these supplies at a reduced cost, comparable to that of other immunization programs.
It is unclear how many uninsured Americans will utilize the program since not many people are currently receiving Covid-19 vaccinations, and the rate is lower among uninsured individuals.
Free COVID-19 Vaccination Program Until December 2024
According to CNN, based on an official document, the US Department of Health and Human Services aims to create agreements with drug stores in the coming months to commence the program during the fall.
Pharmacies that have previously participated in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "COVID-19 Test to Treat" program and other pandemic partnerships are expected to join the initiative.
Pharmacies are expected to conduct outreach and collaborate with community organizations that serve underserved populations to inform uninsured individuals about the program.
This program aims to ensure that uninsured individuals can still access Covid-19 vaccines and treatments even after the government shifts broader responsibility for Covid-19 care to the private sector.
Although most people with insurance will continue to receive Covid-19 vaccinations for free, uninsured individuals may face challenges.
This initiative represents a public-private partnership that will help maintain uninsured individuals' access to Covid-19 care through their public health infrastructure, health centers, and local pharmacies.
The department has identified existing Covid-19 supplemental funds to support this program through December 2024.
Furthermore, with this program, the Biden administration aims to fill a significant gap in access to Covid-19 vaccines and treatments for vulnerable populations while demonstrating to Congress the viability of extending access to other vaccines to uninsured adults.
