U.S. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has released a document titled “Vaccine Provider Incentive Program” drafted by health insurance provider Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s for Kentucky-based health care workers that outlines monetary incentives for convincing patients to get COVID-19 shots in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic.1
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s “Vaccine Provider Incentive Program” was offered to physicians based in Kentucky with an Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid panel size of 25 or more members.2
The program outlines the incentive program, stating that if a medical practice meets certain thresholds for COVID shots giving patients at least one dose of COVID vaccine by Sept. 1, 2021, the practice would receive the initial incentive payment based on specific rates.
The More Patients Vaccinated, the Bigger the Bonus
If 30 percent of Anthem members were vaccinated, the practice would receive $20 bonus per vaccinated member. If 40 percent of Anthem members were vaccinated, an incentive of $45 bonus per vaccinated member would be awarded. If 50 percent Anthem members were vaccinated, a $70 bonus per vaccinated member would be awarded. If 60 percent of Anthem members were vaccinated, a $100 bonus per vaccinated member would be awarded and if 75 percent Anthem members vaccinated, the insurance company would award the practice $125 bonus per vaccinated member.3
The financial value of the second incentive payment was significantly higher and was calculated based on members who were newly vaccinated between Sept. 1, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2021. If 30 percent of Anthem members were vaccinated, the practice would receive $100 bonus per vaccinated member.
If 40 percent of Anthem members were vaccinated, an incentive of $150 bonus per vaccinated member would be awarded. If 50 percent Anthem members were vaccinated, a $175 bonus per vaccinated member would be awarded. If 60 percent of Anthem members were vaccinated, a $200 bonus per vaccinated member would be awarded, and if 75 percent Anthem members vaccinated, the insurance company would award the practice $250 bonus per vaccinated member.4
Medical Professionals Failing to Disclose Conflicts of Interest Violate Ethical Guidelines
Ethically, doctors have a duty to disclose financial conflicts of interests related to drugs and biologics they recommend to their patients in the interest of maintaining integrity in the field of medicine. In reference to the “Vaccine Provider Incentive Program,” Rep. Massie stated:
Your primary care provider was bribed to suggest you should take the COVID vaccine. Ethically, shouldn’t doctors disclose when they’re profiting by recommending a drug or treatment -especially a drug or treatment for which there is no medical malpractice liability?5
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