Setting It Level · Viral Post Fact Check ·
Doctors will no longer receive financial rewards for vaccinating children
What We Found
On Dec. 30, 2025, CMS made childhood immunization measures voluntary for state Medicaid/CHIP reporting and "strongly discouraged" states from basing payment incentives on vaccination rates. HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. backed the change.
It isn't a ban, and it doesn't cover all doctors. States and private insurers can still pay vaccination-rate bonuses. NCQA's 2026 HEDIS ratings still include Childhood Immunization Status.
Doctors are still paid the normal fee for giving each shot. The AAP says those fees often don't cover costs.
The photo is a stock image of a throat exam, not a vaccination.
Sources
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