Biden-Harris Administration Increase Medicare Payment for COVID-19 Vaccine
On March 15, 2021, CMS increased the Medicare payment amount for administering the COVID-19 vaccine. The national average payment rate is now $40 for each dose. According to CMS, “This represents an increase from approximately $28 to $40 for the administration of single-dose vaccines, and an increase from approximately $45 to $80 for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines requiring two doses.” Higher payment rates reflect new information about the costs associated with administering the vaccine and encourage providers to administer more doses to combat the pandemic.
The Hub is an intuitive, in-depth customer portal that is built to streamline and strengthen support. Use it to find resources for the products you use every day: search for answers, create and track support cases, and interact with your peers.
Access to the new Hub requires registration. If you haven’t signed up yet, click here and complete the form.
As of January 1, 2021, the SUPPORT Act requires Medicare Part D use electronic prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) for Medicare beneficiaries. EPCS implementation is high among pharmacies, but mandates are vital to accelerate adoption among prescribers. If you have not done so, we recommend that you enroll in EPCS as soon as possible and encourage your local providers to do the same.
If your pharmacy uses the Transmucosal Immediate Release Fentanyl (TIRF) Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, you will need to make changes to continue dispensing TIRF medications beginning March 29, 2021. To re-certify, the pharmacy must review the modified education program, successfully complete the knowledge assessment, and complete the outpatient pharmacy enrollment form. TIRF medicines contain fentanyl, an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability like other opioid analgesics.
