Medicare Vaccine Uptake Rises, Role of Inflation Act Still Unclear
TL/DR –
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions have increased the uptake of Part D-covered vaccines, saving beneficiaries over $400 million in 2023. The IRA made recommended Part D vaccines free of charge for enrollees from January 2023, resulting in a 42% increase in uptake of the shingles vaccine and a 114% increase in the Tdap vaccine compared to 2021. However, many beneficiaries are still unaware of the IRA, with a KFF tracking poll showing only 35% of all registered voters and 52% of Medicare-age voters are aware of the IRA’s insulin cap.
Uptake of Part D Vaccines Increased Due to the Inflation Reduction Act Provisions
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) published data highlighting the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions on the uptake of Part D-covered vaccines. According to the report, these provisions have increased vaccine uptake and saved beneficiaries more than $400 million in 2023.
Impact on Vaccine Uptake
With the IRA provisions ensuring free Part D vaccines for enrollees from 2023, there has been a 42% surge in the uptake of the shingles vaccine and a 114% hike in the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine. More than six million beneficiaries have also received the newly introduced respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine without any cost. The data, broken down by state and various populations, including those eligible for the Low-Income Subsidy, can help identify outreach and engagement opportunities.
Similar Trends in Insulin Fills
This increase in vaccine uptake echoes the risen demand for insulin after the IRA’s $35 monthly cap on covered products, emphasizing the significance of these updates.
Public Awareness about the IRA
Despite these benefits, many are still unaware of the IRA’s provisions. A recent KFF tracking poll reveals that only 35% of registered voters and 52% of Medicare-age voters know about the IRA’s insulin cap. Similar trends are seen for other IRA reforms. However, these numbers have improved slightly due to news coverage about litigation.
As more IRA provisions take effect, such as the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap in Part D from 2025, people are likely to become more aware of these improvements. For Medicare-related queries, call the Medicare Rights’ national helpline at 800-333-4114 or contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Learn more about the IRA’s Medicare reforms.
—
Read More US Economic News