CDC Proposes New Hepatitis B Vaccine Guidance: Insurance Coverage Unchanged

The US CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to end the universal hepatitis B vaccination recommendation for newborns. Instead, the revised guidance advises that mothers who test negative for hepatitis B should consult a healthcare provider before vaccinating their infants. This change introduces shared clinical decision-making, which may impact immunization rates due to added complexities for parents. The committee also recommends delaying vaccination until at least two months old if not given at birth. Despite these shifts, major insurance groups including Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and AHIP have affirmed their commitment to covering all ACIP-recommended vaccines without cost-sharing through at least 2026. Coverage mandates stem from the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, which tie vaccine coverage to ACIP's advisory recommendations. Public health experts emphasize that insurance coverage will remain intact, but coverage changes could reduce the number of newborns vaccinated. Additionally, the CDC's Vaccines for Children program will continue to provide the hepatitis B vaccine at no cost for eligible children under Medicaid or without insurance. CMS officials confirmed that shared decision-making recommendations will not alter cost coverage for vaccines. The CDC will make the final recommendation following ACIP’s vote, generally aligning with the advisory panel. These developments reflect ongoing shifts toward individualized vaccine decisions and their implications for immunization policy, healthcare providers, payers, and public health programs in the United States.