America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the trade group representing many U.S. health insurers, has issued a new statement reaffirming that health plans will continue covering all vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as of Sept. 1, 2025 — including updated COVID-19 and influenza shots — with no cost‐sharing for patients through the end of 2026.
Why this matters for rheumatologists:
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- This ensures your patients will retain access to key immunizations without out-of-pocket costs, even if future ACIP recommendations change.
- It provides stability for vaccine scheduling and planning in clinical care.
- For immunocompromised or high-risk patients, this affirmation helps guard against gaps in vaccine coverage.
What to watch for:
- Keep an eye on upcoming ACIP meetings. New members and shifting advisory guidance may lead to changes in the immunization schedule.
- Be aware of state and plan-level policies. Although AHIP’s statement covers its member plans, there may still be variations across insurers, especially for self-insured employer plans.
- Stay informed about patient communication. Your patients may hear news of changes and need reassurance that many immunizations will still be covered.
