Starting in January, patients with health insurance may be charged a fee for kids' vaccinations.
In the past, the federal government provided free vaccines for all North Dakota children younger than 18. But as the number of recommended vaccinations increases, the government's contribution hasn't, said Dr. Terry Dwelle, state health officer.
As a result, health insurance companies will be billed for vaccines given to children covered by their policies. If, and how much, people will have to pay will vary by the insurance plan.
"Our ultimate goal is that all children will receive all recommended vaccinations," Dwelle said.
Children who are uninsured, eligible for Medicaid, American Indian or who have health insurance that doesn't cover vaccinations will continue to receive free vaccines through a federal program.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, the region's largest health insurance provider, will cover the full cost of all recommended vaccines, said Dr. Jon Rice, the organization's chief medical officer.
"Immunizations are the most cost-effective preventive treatment we have," he said.
Other insurance companies in the state have been encouraged to do the same, Dwelle said. He doesn't know how many families might be affected by fees like copays and deductibles.
A federal committee recommends that children receive immunizations against 16 diseases. That means a child receives about 30 injections before age 18. The total cost is about $1,200 per child, said Molly Sander, the state's immunization program manager.
In 1985, the cost was about $45 to vaccinate a child, Sander said.
Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their kids, said Dr. Chris Tiongson, pediatrician and managing physician partner of Fargo MeritCare children's clinics.
For example, 20 years ago thousands of young children died and suffered brain damage from Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), a cause of bacterial infection, Tiongson said. Today, children are regularly vaccinated against it and the disease is rare.
"More diseases can be put on the shelf with vaccines," Tiongson said.
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Immunization recommendations
The Advisory Committee in Immunization Practices recommends that children receive the following immunizations:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
- Haemophilus influenza type B.
- Hepatitis B.
- Polio.
- Rotavirus.
- Pneumococcal.
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- Measles, mumps and rubella.
- Hepatitis A.
- Influenza.
- Meningococcal.
- Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV).
- Varicella (chicken pox).
Readers can reach Forum reporter Erin Hemme Froslie at (701) 241-5534
Parents may see fees for vaccines Erin Hemme-Froslie 20071012
