In the September 11 edition of the weekly MLN Connects newsletter, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare formularies have been updated and the 2025/2026 COVID vaccines are now covered under Medicare Part B for beneficiaries according to authorizations by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

While this update will address Medicare-related coverage issues, providers may still experience access challenges related to separate requirements for states to approve pharmacy use of vaccines. Some states may not approve pharmacies to administer COVID vaccines until vaccine recommendations are made by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that usually drafts these recommendations for CDC approval is scheduled to meet on September 18. This resource from the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) explains more.