BOSTON — August 19, 2021 — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts ("Blue Cross") today confirmed it will cover, with no cost share to members, the administration of a third booster dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, pending authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the general population and in accordance with all federal and state guidance.

The federal government has purchased the vaccines, which are being distributed free of charge, but clinicians and pharmacies can bill insurers for administration costs. Medicare covers vaccine administration for Medicare Advantage and Medex members when administered by any clinician who accepts Medicare.

"Since the COVID-19 vaccines first became available, we’ve been committed to supporting widespread vaccination in our communities," said Dr. Sandhya Rao, chief medical officer at Blue Cross. "Vaccines are the best tools we have to protect us against COVID-19, and we want to make it easy for our members to get vaccinated, so we can all do our part to get back to the people and places we love, and help end this global pandemic.”

Vaccine Requirement for Entering Blue Cross Buildings

As part of its commitment to the health and safety of employees, customers, members, and the community, Blue Cross also announced today that it will require vaccination against COVID-19 for anyone entering Blue Cross office buildings starting Oct. 4, 2021.

Blue Cross employees will begin returning to the company’s buildings on a voluntary basis starting October 4, 2021, with a full reopening scheduled for January 3, 2022.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable and equitable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation’s best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,  LinkedIn, and Coverage, our health news service.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts