The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is reminding providers of the rules around administering the COVID-19 vaccine after complaints from patients charged for the vaccine and other reports of fraud and abuse around vaccine distribution.
 
OIG is reminding all participating providers that they:
  • must administer COVID-19 Vaccine with no out-of-pocket cost to the recipient;
  • may not deny anyone vaccination based on the vaccine recipient's coverage status or network status;
  • may not charge an office visit or other fee if COVID-19 vaccination is the sole medical service provided;
  • may not require additional medical services to receive COVID-19 vaccination;
  • may seek appropriate reimbursement from a program or plan that covers COVID-19 Vaccine administration fees for the vaccine recipient, such as:
    • vaccine recipient's private insurance company
    • Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement
    • HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program for non-insured vaccine recipients; and
  • may not seek any reimbursement, including through balance billing, from the vaccine recipient.