In August 2022, the Biden Administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which included key provisions that address longstanding gaps in vaccination coverage for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries by eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for recommended adult vaccines.^1,2 As of January 1, 2023, Medicare Part D beneficiaries will have access to adult vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) with no out-of-pocket expenses.^1,2 Similarly, beginning October 1, 2023, adults who are enrollees of traditional Medicaid and CHIP, and those considered Medicaid medically needy in specified states, will have access to ACIP recommended adult vaccines with no out-of-pocket expenses.¹

The implementation of the IRA is a key strategy in closing the gap in vaccination coverage among Medicare and Medicaid populations.² Vaccines are a cost-effective preventative public health strategy that protects and preserves the health of not only individuals but communities as well.² The vaccine provisions included in this act demonstrates the country’s priority in controlling and preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and more specifically, improving vaccination access, utilization, and coverage for adult populations. NACCHO welcomes and embraces the passage of this vital act and will continue to support and advocate for local health departments in reducing inequities in vaccination access and enhancing opportunities for all.

Check out our corresponding one-pager summarizing this information here.

To learn more about the vaccine provisions and additional health provisions the IRA includes please visit the following resources:

• Selected Health Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (congress.gov)
• The Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Health Care Costs for Millions of Americans | CMS
• AVAC Welcomes Passage of Inflation Reduction Act (adultvaccinesnow.org)
• Medicare and Medicaid to Fully Cover Preventive Vaccines in 2023 (ncoa.org)
• Inflation Reduction Act Timeline: CMS Implementation Timeline

Sources

1. Selected Health Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (congress.gov)
2. AVAC Welcomes Passage of Inflation Reduction Act (adultvaccinesnow.org)