The New York State Department of Financial Services has issued guidance to New York’s insurance industry strongly encouraging commercial health insurers to continue covering the full cost of all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), as of the guidance’s issuance. The guidance notes that vaccine coverage is typically based on ACIP recommendations, reiterates previously issued DFS guidance requiring insurers to cover COVID-19 vaccines for children, and urges insurers to encourage employers and other entities sponsoring self-funded health coverage to continue covering vaccine costs. The announcement also links the DFS action to Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to support access to the updated 2025–26 COVID shot.
New York State Department of Financial Services 2025-09-10
New York State Department of Financial Services urges commercial insurers to maintain 100 percent coverage for ACIP-recommended vaccines
The New York State Department of Financial Services urges commercial health insurers to cover all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The guidance reiterates existing COVID-19 vaccine coverage requirements for children and encourages self-funded health plans to maintain vaccine cost coverage. This aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s order allowing pharmacists to administer the updated 2025–26 COVID vaccine.