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U.S. Government to Cover COVID-19 Vaccine, Treatments

THURSDAY, Oct. 29, 2020 -- Insurance rules that will grant every American free access to COVID-19 vaccines when they are approved were issued by the government on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.

The rules, from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, also increase what Medicare pays hospitals for COVID-19 treatments. The changes come as COVID-19 infections are rising across the country in a third wave that could eclipse the number of cases seen earlier this year, according to the AP. There is already legislation making the vaccines free, but the new rules were necessary to bring that legislation in line with existing insurance policies.

"CMS is acting now to remove bureaucratic barriers while ensuring that states, providers, and health plans have the information and direction they need to ensure broad vaccine access and coverage for all Americans," CMS head Seema Verma said in a statement. The regulations take effect immediately, the AP said.

AP News Article

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Posted: October 2020