---
title: COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage and Premium Discount FAQs
description: FAQs were issued addressing the rules regarding premium incentives for COVID-19 vaccinations and rapid coverage of preventive services for COVID-19.
---

[Employee Benefit News for School, City and County Employers ](https://blog.nisbenefits.com)

# [COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage and Premium Discount FAQs](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/covid-19-vaccine-coverage-and-premium-discount-faqs)

 Written by [Erin Woulfe](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/author/erin-woulfe) | Oct 18, 2021 3:08:16 PM

*1.5 minute read*

The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury issued [FAQs](https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/Downloads/FAQs-Part-50.pdf) addressing rules regarding premium incentives for COVID-19 vaccinations and rapid coverage of preventive services for COVID-19.

Premium discounts for COVID-19 vaccination typically must be offered as part of a wellness program. These wellness programs will generally be required to offer a reasonable alternative standard to qualify for the discount for certain individuals. Plans usually may not condition eligibility for benefits or coverage on vaccination status, and any discount must comply with the [final wellness program rules](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/06/03/2013-12916/incentives-for-nondiscriminatory-wellness-programs-in-group-health-plans).

According to the FAQs, plans and issuers must cover, without cost sharing, any COVID-19 vaccines and their administration once the vaccine becomes authorized under an emergency use authorization or approved under a biologics license application. This includes to allow for an additional dose to certain individuals, boosters doses, or the expansion of the age demographic for whom the vaccine is authorized or approved.

[Download the bulletin](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/hubfs/Blog%20-%20supporting%20documents/bulletin-faqs-vaccine-coverage-premium-discounts.pdf) for more details.

*This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.*

[View full post](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/covid-19-vaccine-coverage-and-premium-discount-faqs)

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