February 4, 2021 3:30 a.m.

The State of Oregon now requires health benefit plans in Oregon to cover the costs of vaccination for COVID-19 following an order by state Public Health Director Rachael Banks.

A release from the Oregon Health Authority said the January 27th determination cites Oregon Revised Statutes in mandating that private health plans operating in Oregon not charge patients for most costs related to providing the vaccine. That includes the cost of all doses of the vaccine and associated supplies and expenses for administering the shot, such as those related to staff time.

The Oregon Health Plan and Medicare programs do not charge patients for the costs of vaccinations.

Banks said, “We are in the midst of a devastating pandemic that has affected more than 142,000 people in Oregon and claimed 2,000 lives”. Banks said there should be no financial barrier to getting the vaccine, whether it’s a copay or an administrative fee.

Banks said she encourages providers to bill patient’s insurance for any vaccination costs and avoid asking or expecting patients to cover vaccine administration costs.