Worcester, MA. — Some Massachusetts residents are facing unexpected hurdles getting COVID vaccines, even after Governor Maura Healey issued an order requiring insurers to follow the state Department of Public Health’s vaccine guidelines rather than federal recommendations.
George Jenkins, a 70-year-old grandfather from Worcester, takes his health seriously. He maintains a balanced diet, practices daily tai chi, and has already battled COVID once. Determined not to get sick again, he went to a local Stop & Shop pharmacy to receive his flu and COVID vaccines.
“My insurance didn’t cover it,” Jenkins said. “They told me that while they had the COVID vaccine, my insurance didn’t cover it.”
Jenkins holds a United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan. “Sometimes when that’s not covered, I have my Medicare card and pay for both. They said Medicare won’t cover it because the Advantage plan should cover it,” he said. “I called United Healthcare and spoke to a rep, and they confirmed they weren’t covering it right now. When I asked why, they gave me very vague answers.”
The pharmacy offered Jenkins the shot, but it would have cost him $200 out of pocket.
United Healthcare’s website states that most plans include coverage for COVID-19 vaccines. Governor Healey has emphasized that insurers in Massachusetts must cover vaccines recommended by the state Department of Public Health, including flu, COVID, and children’s vaccines.
When contacted, United Healthcare declined to comment on Jenkins’ specific case but stated that they are committed to covering COVID-19 vaccines. Medicare said it is reviewing what occurred.
Jenkins plans to return for the vaccine in a few weeks to see if his insurance will cover it then.
