HHS Celebrates One Year of COVID-19 Vaccine Program but Ends Claims for Reimbursement
On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services recognized the one-year anniversary of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program.
With funds provided by the American Rescue Plan, the program administered more than 20 million vaccines to underserved communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
There were initially 250 health centers invited into the HCCV program, which primarily serves homeless individuals, migrant or seasonal agricultural workers, or patients with limited English proficiency.
This expanded to 1,220 additional health centers serving large populations of low-income and minority patients, rural and frontier populations, Tribal/Urban Indian Health programs, and mobile vans that deliver health services.
HRSA has also provided claims for reimbursement to health care providers at Medicare rates for a variety of COVID-related issues for uninsured individuals, including testing, treatment and vaccines.
The HRSA COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund also reimbursed providers for COVID-19 vaccine administration to underinsured individuals whose health plans either did not include vaccination coverage or only with cost-sharing.
On March 15, HRSA announced the uninsured program will stop accepting claims for COVID-19 testing and treatment after March 22, and for vaccination after April 5.
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