Governor Hochul has announced new measures to ensure vaccine access across New York State, urging insurers to cover all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued guidance encouraging commercial insurers to continue covering 100 percent of the costs of these vaccines.
In a release, Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of vaccine access, stating,
New Yorkers deserve to have the resources available to get vaccinated if they choose to, and Republicans in Washington should not be able to take that from them. Vaccines not only prevent people from getting sick — they can save lives and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially as we approach our colder seasons and our children are back in schools.
According to the release, the guidance also reminds insurers of the requirement to cover COVID vaccines for children and urges them to encourage employers and other entities with self-funded health care coverage to maintain vaccine cost coverage. This action builds on Governor Hochul’s Executive Order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines, ensuring New Yorkers can receive the updated 2025-26 COVID shot.
In the release, Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, highlighted the impact of COVID, noting,
In 2024, we lost 2,775 New Yorkers related to COVID, that is enough to fill 7 jumbo jets. Vaccines are the best protection from serious illness and hospitalization.
New York is also collaborating with other Northeast states in a regional public health initiative to develop evidence-based vaccination strategies and enhance regional readiness.