The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced, effective June 8, 2021, an additional $35 payment for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians administering the COVID-19 vaccine (per dose) in the home of Medicare patients. This payment is in addition to the standard administration amount (approximately $40 per dose), for a total payment of approximately $75 for a single-dose vaccine or $150 for both doses of a two-dose vaccine.
This is a key announcement for long-term care pharmacies as the medical at-home model grows and pharmacies expand vaccination services into locations that qualify as a Medicare patient’s home. Find additional information on billing, eligibility, and restrictions here.
ASCP and the NCPA® LTC Division continue to monitor this process as it develops and will share additional details when they are available.