Dive Brief:
- America's Health Insurance Plans has released the findings from its National Vaccine Roundtable, which gathered stakeholders together to identify barriers to raising rates for adult immunization.
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The insurer group notes adult immunizations are a national priority following guidance in 2010 and 2015 from the HHS National Vaccine Program Office. "Influenza, pneumococcus and hepatitis B are highly communicable diseases, and a heavy burden for adults ages 65 years and older at increased risk," according to the organization's slide deck.
- AHIP recommends ways health insurers can help their members access vaccination services through a variety of options.
Dive Insight:
AHIP notes that health insurance plans have valued immunizations as tools to reduce costs through disease prevention. The group details how health plans can partner with providers, state and local health agencies, pharmacies, and other healthcare sites to increase vaccine awareness and availability, as well as reduce barriers to access.
Its recommendations to payers include:
- Relationships with providers to ensure appropriate vaccines are given during adult office visits.
- Promotion and tracking of preventive services including adult vaccines.
- Value-based payment arrangements that reward preventive care.
- Assessing adult vaccination status during transitions of care.
- Positive outreach regarding vaccine safety, effectiveness, and its public health benefits.
- Education for adult patients about the vaccines they should receive and options for access.
- Support to providers to ensure they have adequate resources to administer adult vaccines.