Q&A: Medicare payment for COVID-19 vaccines

Q: How much will Medicare pay for FDA-approved or emergency use authorized COVID-19 vaccines?

A: CMS will pay $28.39 to administer a single dose vaccine. For vaccines requiring two or more doses, the agency will pay $16.94 for the first dose and $28.39 for the last dose, according to the CMS toolkit.

CMS said it hopes to enroll new Medicare providers, including pharmacies and other “mass immunizers” to help bring the vaccine to all Medicare beneficiaries.

For more information, see "Note from the instructor: Good news regarding COVID-19 vaccines and treatments," by Valerie A. Rinkle, MPA, CHRI.