Federal Employee Health Program Insurer Offers Cash for Vaccinations,

One of the largest insurance providers in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program is offering a new incentive to encourage federal employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Beginning June 11, anyone 18 and older enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Federal Employee Program will receive $50 on their MyBlue Wellness Card if they provide documentation of their coronavirus vaccine record. The additional money can be used on “qualified medical expenses.” All vaccinated adults who are enrolled in the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan are eligible regardless of when they received the vaccine.

In a statement, William Breskin, the insurance provider’s senior vice president of government programs, said the company hopes the initiative will help the United States meet President Biden’s goal of 70% of the adult population being vaccinated by July 4. Although state and local governments have organized a number of vaccination incentive programs in recent months, this would mark the first such effort by a health insurance company.

“FEP remains committed to protecting the health of our members and we continuously look for innovative solutions to the challenges we face in our health care system,” Breskin said. “We’re proud to take part in the White House’s nationwide effort to help end the pandemic and encourage our members to get vaccinated and protect not only themselves, but their families and loved ones from this unforgiving virus.”

ERICH WAGNER

JUNE 9, 2021 03:49 PM ET