S1, Ep 4- Out of Pocket Barrier To Vaccines

In this episode, we are looking at how benefit design in Medicare creates vaccine design inequity. Even small out-of-pocket costs can deter some communities from getting the right vaccines and treatment they need. 

"Any type of a policy that reduces the access to vaccination, most definitely will impact patients and will increase this wasteful spending,“ says Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at the Global Healthy Living Foundation. "Vaccines should be regarded as—and are regarded as—the most cost-beneficial intervention in healthcare." 

Among the highlights in this episode: 

2:06- What is benefit design in Medicare? 

2:41- How wasteful spending in healthcare impacts vaccine care 

3:51- Robert discusses the differences between Medicare Part B and D for senior citizens

5:10- The evidence on people being discouraged or inhibited from getting vaccines

6:39- Robert cites research of the racial inequity surrounding out-of-pocket costs for vaccines 

7:35- Impact of removing out-of-pocket costs for vaccines? 

8:23- “Vaccines are regarded as one the most cost beneficial interventions in the healthcare system”

8:47- Legislation being debated to remove out-of-pocket costs for vaccines for seniors

9:31 - Conner and Robert's takeaways from this episode

Contact our hosts: 

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF, rpopovian@ghlf.org 

Conner Mertens, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF, cmertens@ghlf.org 

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