Home Industries Health Services McKee: Health insurers required to cover COVID-19 vaccines in R.I.

McKee: Health insurers required to cover COVID-19 vaccines in R.I.

By

Katie Castellani

-

09/15/2025

BZhglprV-Statehouse-drone — HEALTH INSURERS are required to COVID-19 vaccines for all Rhode Island residents 6 months old and older who want one, Gov. Daniel J. McKee announced Sept. 12./PBN FILE PHOTO/PAM BHATIA

PROVIDENCE – Health insurers are required to cover COVID-19 vaccines for all Rhode Island residents 6 months old and older who want one, Gov. Daniel J. McKee announced Sept. 12. The announcement comes in response to recent federal actions that have “created uncertainty around vaccine access,” according to McKee’s office. In August, the U.S. Food

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PROVIDENCE – Health insurers are required to cover COVID-19 vaccines for all Rhode Island residents 6 months old and older who want one, Gov. Daniel J. McKee announced Sept. 12. The announcement comes in response to recent federal actions that have “created uncertainty around vaccine access,” according to McKee’s office. In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID booster vaccines but limited their use for many people. Under new federal restrictions, vaccines are limited to those who are 65 years and older or younger people with health conditions that put them at a greater risk for developing disease. “We are taking action in Rhode Island to ensure that the public health turmoil at the national level does not affect the ability of Rhode Islanders to access vaccines that keep us healthy and safe,” McKee said. “It’s crucial that people who want to get the COVID-19 vaccine have the ability to do so in Rhode Island.” At McKee’s direction, The R.I. Department of Health and Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner issued a bulletin to insurers encouraging coverage of the COVID vaccine as recommended by major medical organizations like American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These groups recommend that the COVID vaccine be available for everyone 6 months of age and older. Also, RIDOH has issued a standing order allowing pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID vaccine to all patients 3 years of age and older, “independent of FDA indications,” McKee’s office said. COVID-19 vaccines are available in many retail pharmacies throughout the state. Pharmacies may still set their own vaccination criteria and require clients to self-attest to being at least 65 years old or having a condition that puts them at a greater risk for COVID-19. “There is a place in Rhode Island for everyone in the state older than 6 months of age to get their COVID-19 vaccine,” said RIDOH Director Dr. Jerome Larkin. “Rhode Island has some of the best overall vaccination rates in the country because we make vaccine access a priority, and because RIDOH bases its recommendations on science and data. We will continue to make the COVID-19 vaccine available, and we will continue to be the source of science and fact-based information about vaccines in Rhode Island.” The COVID vaccine will be available in primary care offices in the coming weeks, according to McKee’s office. Those who are having trouble accessing the vaccine may contact RIDOH. “Access to the COVID-19 vaccine promotes public health and mitigates outbreaks of disease that raise insurance costs and strain our hospitals and health care providers,” said R.I. Health Insurance Commissioner Cory King. “Vaccine coverage without patient cost-sharing eliminates financial barriers for consumers and preserves necessary access.” Several Rhode Island health care groups expressed support for state officials' move to cover vaccines. “The Rhode Island Medical Society strongly supports the state’s leadership in ensuring broad access to the updated COVID-19 vaccine. By aligning with science-based recommendations and working collaboratively with insurers, pharmacies, and providers, the state is helping to protect the health of our patients and our communities,” said Dr. Kara Stavros, president of the R.I. Medical Society. “We are grateful for this partnership and remain committed to working alongside the Department of Health to make vaccination accessible to all Rhode Islanders.” Other supporters include the R.I. Health Care Association, Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Arches Medical. The move comes after Massachusetts, under Gov. Maura Healey, became the first state to require insurers to cover state-back vaccines on Sept. 4. Katie Castellani is a PBN staff writer. You may contact her at Castellani@PBN.com.