Everyone is talking about the Biden “Executive Order Requiring [Covid-19] Vaccination.”

In related news (e.g., WSJ 9/13), “at Tampa General Hospital, about 90% of recent Covid-19 patients were unvaccinated.  Those in intensive care were 46 years old on average,” statistics that are corroborated by insurer claims data. Throughout much of 2020 however, especially before the vaccine rollout, most Covid-19 claims were incurred by the elderly and paid by Medicare.

Now it appears employer sponsored group health plans are increasingly footing the bill.

As employers monitor their monthly claims reports - especially for self-funded plans - some will see a spike in covid related claims and wonder if it’s time to mandate the vaccine to continue coverage.

Biden’s Order will be tested in the courts. Until then, an employer mandate is ‘legal.’

That said, not a single employer I’ve talked to wants to risk 1.) losing employees in a tight labor market or, 2.) making headlines.

Which reminds me of the radio host the other day that asked listeners if it’s time for hospitals to turn away Covid-19 patients if they’re not vaccinated.

Note to Programmers; “Stop It!”

(I know. I know. I’ve used this before. So, take me to court!)