Penalty for the Unvaccinated?
A “yes or no” box to verify your vaccination status could be part of open enrollment for health insurance in the future.

While this year’s open-enrollment period won’t have a “yes or no” box to verify your vaccination status (like the “Are you a smoker?” question that’s typically asked), it could become a reality for the 2023 open-enrollment season. And some employers are already penalizing unvaccinated employees. In late August, Delta, one of the largest global airlines, announced that it will require unvaccinated employees to pay a $200 monthly health insurance surcharge. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a memo to employees that the surcharge was designed to address “the financial risk the decision to not vaccinate is creating for our company.”
Some health insurance companies are looking into whether individuals who had COVID-19 are more prone to develop health problems that will increase the cost of care, says Patricia Graves, an employee benefits expert with the Society of Human Resource Management. If that data shows that the COVID-19 vaccine limited health care costs, more employers may add a premium surcharge for unvaccinated employees, similar to the smoker’s surcharge, she says.
Insurers can’t deny you coverage because you had (or have) COVID-19, but surcharges are legal as long as you are offered an alternative to paying the surcharge. For smokers, the alternative is to complete a program that helps you kick the habit. In the case of COVID-19, the alternative would be to get vaccinated.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Rivan joined Kiplinger on Leap Day 2016 as a reporter for Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. A Michigan native, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 and from there freelanced as a local copy editor and proofreader, and served as a research assistant to a local Detroit journalist. Her work has been featured in the Ann Arbor Observer and Sage Business Researcher. She is currently assistant editor, personal finance at The Washington Post.
-
-
What Is a Stock Split, and Why It Matters to You
A stock split can indicate that a company is healthy — but don't fall for the hype.
By Charles Lewis Sizemore, CFA • Published
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Rally on Debt Ceiling News, Manufacturing Data
A slow start turned into a strong finish for stocks thanks to encouraging debt ceiling updates and the latest economic data.
By Karee Venema • Published
-
Free COVID-19 Tests Are Ending Soon: How to Get Yours
Rules on insurance coverage for COVID-19 tests change on May 11. Find out how to get free tests before and after the deadline.
By Vaishali Varu • Published
-
Gas Prices on the Rise: How High Could They Go in a Spring Surge?
With gas prices on the rise nationwide, we look at how high they could go by summer, plus tips to reduce your pain at the pump.
By Ben Demers • Published
-
Financial Abuse Is on the Rise: What It Is and What to Do About It
Domestic violence almost always includes financial abuse. Here’s help on identifying and understanding it and how to get help and leave in a safe way.
By Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA®, CES™ • Published
-
How to Get Free COVID Tests from the U.S. Government, for a Limited Time
Free COVID tests are again available to all Americans through a special federal program.
By Ben Demers • Published
-
Holiday Tipping Guide: Who to Tip (And How Much?)
Holiday tipping for the people who’ve helped you throughout the year is important – but somewhat fraught. We’ve got guidance.
By Emma Patch • Published
-
Best Cash Back Credit Cards June 2023
Smart Buying Looking for the credit card that pays the most cash back? These lenders may pay hundreds of dollars, with minimum hassle.
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated
-
I-Bond Rate Is 4.30% for Next Six Months
Investing for Income Bonds issued May 1 to October 31 will have a rate of 4.30%.
By David Muhlbaum • Last updated
-
What Are I-Bonds?
savings bonds Inflation has made Series I savings bonds enormously popular with risk-averse investors. So how do they work?
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated