Some payers aren't covering the recently approved vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus, leaving older adults to cough up $330 out of pocket, The New York Times reported Aug. 25.
After last year's high viral season with RSV, COVID-19 and flu straining hospital capacity, the FDA has approved four RSV vaccines — two for adults 60 and older, one for toddlers and another for pregnant people to protect newborns.
Every year, between 6,100 and 10,300 people die after contracting RSV, according to the CDC. The new approvals offered a hope of lessening the burden, but insurance companies might be getting in the way.
Medicare Part D covers the vaccine, but Medicare Part B doesn't, according to the Times. Some private payers aren't covering the shot, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and older adults told the Times they left their pharmacy appointments without the vaccine because of the cost.