Older Americans on Medicare are facing difficulties accessing newly updated COVID-19 vaccines. Several individuals reported being denied coverage at pharmacies, despite the FDA's approval for those 65 and older. While Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. stated most Americans can receive the shot for free, some pharmacies are requiring out-of-pocket payments due to processing delays with Medicare's system. CVS cited payer system updates and, in some states, a need for doctor's prescriptions before covering the shots. Medicare maintains it should cover the vaccines, and CMS is investigating the issue.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.