Medicare AdvantageCoverageMedium impact
COVID-19 vaccine mandate effective 1/1/2022
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI·Physician / Facility
Effective date
Jan 1, 2022
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
BCBS Rhode Island reminds providers that COVID-19 vaccines and administration (including boosters) must be covered without cost sharing for Medicare Advantage and Medicare-Medicaid Plan beneficiaries effective January 1, 2022. This is a reminder of existing CMS obligations, not a new policy change.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must verify that COVID-19 vaccines and administration fees (including boosters) are not applying any copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for Medicare Advantage and Medicare-Medicaid Plan members. Update billing system settings to ensure $0 patient responsibility for these services. Contact ProviderRelations@bcbsri.org with any questions about implementation.