By SUSANNAH LUTHI 03/03/2021 06:00 AM EST Updated: 03/03/2021 11:44 AM EST
The Biden administration on Wednesday announced a new initiative with health insurers to ensure some of their most high-risk customers get vaccinated against Covid-19, as the White House tries to energize lagging efforts to distribute the shots equitably.
The effort, organized by White House coronavirus adviser Andy Slavitt and led by major lobby America’s Health Insurance Plans, is aiming to fully vaccinate 2 million people 65 and older from vulnerable communities over the next 100 days.
The program is essentially leveraging the work health plans already perform with high-risk patients, such as helping them book appointments, reminding them about follow-ups and arranging transportation. The White House hopes the new focus will help quicken the pace of vaccinations for the most vulnerable patients, as confusing appointment websites or overloaded queues increase the risk they'll be left behind.
The 2 million goal may appear modest, given that nearly half of people 65 and older have already received one dose and the significant surge in vaccine supply expected in the coming weeks. However, participating insurers said they hoped it would guide broader efforts to vaccinate hard-to-reach populations, a key part of ensuring the country achieves herd immunity against the virus.
“As we get past 100 days, we’ll have a blueprint to share with others,” said Tonya Adams, who leads customer experience at Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and is helping with the program’s logistics.
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