Fri Jul 04 06:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by its rewrite as a news article:
**Summary:**
Following the controversial restructuring of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., major health insurers are hesitant to commit to continued full coverage of childhood vaccinations should the ACIP alter its recommended schedule. The move has been widely criticised by experts in the medical field. While some insurers are monitoring the situation, most are remaining silent on their plans, raising concerns about potential financial barriers to vital preventative care for children. Medical professionals are withdrawing support. Only one insurer, Blue Shield of California, explicitly stated it would maintain coverage. The situation has sparked anxieties about politicization of vaccine recommendations and the potential impact on public health.
**News Article:**
**Insurers Hesitant on Vaccine Coverage After Controversial Committee Overhaul**
**Washington D.C.** – Major health insurance companies are remaining tight-lipped about their plans to cover childhood vaccinations following a controversial restructuring of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The uncertainty comes after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known anti-vaccine activist, replaced the entire committee with his own appointees, prompting the ACIP to announce a review of the recommended childhood immunization schedule.
For 60 years, ACIP has provided vaccine guidance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including on the timing and dosage of childhood immunizations. Insurers are required to cover the cost of most jabs on the recommended schedule for children.
WIRED reached out to 21 of the nation’s largest health insurers regarding their coverage intentions if ACIP changes its recommendations. Only Blue Shield of California confirmed its commitment to continue covering current routine immunizations.
“As a payer our role is to ensure ongoing coverage and access to preventive, evidence-based care, including immunizations,” stated Mark Seelig, a spokesperson for Blue Shield of California. “Therefore, Blue Shield of California is committed to maintaining coverage of immunizations. The decision on whether to receive a vaccine is between our member and their provider.”
Other industry giants, including UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, Humana, and Centene Corporation, did not respond to requests for comment. Several insurers stated they are “monitoring” developments but refrained from guaranteeing coverage for vaccines potentially removed from the recommended schedule.
The ACIP’s recent moves have drawn sharp criticism from medical experts and organizations. Earlier this month, Kennedy dismissed all 17 committee members and appointed individuals, including those with a history of spreading misinformation about vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is pulling its resources.
“We won’t lend our name or our expertise to a system that is being politicized at the expense of children’s health,” said Academy president Susan Kressly.
During its first meeting, ACIP announced plans to review the vaccine schedule, raising concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccinating on the current schedule. Experts worry the review could lead to fewer recommended vaccines, potentially impacting insurance coverage and access to vital preventative care for children.
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