Amid rising concerns regarding Americans' access to vaccines, the nation's largest health insurance association, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), has announced that its member plans will continue to cover all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This commitment comes just before the first meeting of ACIP's newly appointed 12 members, chosen by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The recent appointment of five new ACIP members was made public on Monday, with their inaugural meeting scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Experts are expressing concerns that the committee may consider dropping the hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for newborns. Such a decision could lead to a resurgence of hepatitis B, potentially resulting in increased rates of liver disease and cancer.
AHIP emphasized that decisions regarding health plan coverage for immunizations are based on rigorous scientific and clinical evidence, as well as ongoing evaluations of various data sources. The organization stated that its plans will cover all vaccines recommended by ACIP as of September 1, 2025, with no cost-sharing for patients through the end of 2026. This pledge includes updated vaccines for Covid-19 and influenza, ensuring that patients can access these essential immunizations without financial barriers.
This commitment from AHIP is particularly significant considering the extensive reach of its member plans, which collectively provide coverage and services to over 200 million Americans. These plans include notable names such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Centene, Aetna, Elevance, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Molina, and Cigna. However, it's important to note that UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurer in the country, is not a member of AHIP and has yet to respond regarding its own vaccine coverage plans.
Amy Killelea, an assistant research professor at Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms, highlighted the importance of AHIP's announcement in preserving access to vaccines during a time of uncertainty. “This is a calming message to alleviate anxiety and fear, assuring that there won't be sudden drastic changes. We are committed to maintaining the evidence base that was recently reviewed by ACIP,” Killelea stated.
The public health community was taken aback when Secretary Kennedy dismissed all 17 members of ACIP in June, a committee of experts that provides guidance to the CDC. Following this, he quickly appointed eight new members, including five recently announced individuals, some of whom are known vaccine critics or lack vaccine expertise. Although Kennedy's ACIP met for the first time in June, no significant changes were made to vaccine recommendations for children or adults.
During the upcoming meeting in Atlanta, the committee will discuss recommendations related to the hepatitis B vaccine, as well as updates regarding Covid-19 vaccinations and the pediatric vaccine schedule. Many families have faced challenges in obtaining Covid-19 vaccinations since Kennedy indicated in May that these shots were no longer advised for healthy children over six months old and healthy pregnant individuals. Currently, ACIP recommends Covid-19 vaccinations for all adults and children over six months, albeit with a requirement for “shared clinical decision-making,” meaning a doctor's approval is necessary for eligibility.
Any modifications proposed by ACIP will need to be approved by the CDC's acting director, Jim O'Neill. Notably, Kennedy had previously ousted the former director, Susan Monarez, after she resisted his demand for subsequent approval of all ACIP recommendations.
