How Do You Pay for
COVID-19 Vaccines?
The United States purchased enough of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for everyone to be vaccinated. The bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress in 2020, makes a COVID-19 vaccine a “preventive health service,” which means health plans must cover the entire cost. The federal government has guaranteed that everyone will be able to be vaccinated without charge through the end of the public health emergency (CMS.gov). Whether you are insured or not, there is no cost to you to receive these vaccines. Other vaccines required for adults may be paid for, too.
How Do You Pay for
Other Vaccinations?
Vaccinations and boosters are necessary for adults throughout life. Vaccines are typically paid for by your insurance. If you aren’t currently covered by healthcare insurance, go to the Uninsured button below.
Click Below to Learn More
Uninsured
Low-cost, free, or direct pay vaccines are available to those without health coverage. You can go to the Affordable Care Act website to see if you can get healthcare insurance coverage now.
If that doesn’t work for you, finding free or low-cost adult vaccines may require some research and a few steps. Visit Recommended Vaccines for Adults | CDC for a list of vaccines adults need.
ONE.
Some vaccines will require a prescription that you will need to get from a doctor. Your primary care doctor is the most likely place to get a prescription. You can discuss with them where to get the vaccination too.
TWO.
When you start to look for free or low-cost vaccinations, look at the CDC’s website page listing vaccination cost so you’ll know what qualifies as low cost.
THREE.
This U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website can help you locate low cost vaccinations near you. You can also check local pharmacies and health clinics to compare prices.
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for more information about paying for vaccines.
**The CDC was the source for the information regarding payment for vaccines.
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers many vaccines at little or no cost to you. The costs vary based on how you get your Medicare coverage, the vaccine, and the vaccine provider.
Medicare Part D plans cover specific vaccines through lists of approved medications. The Part D plan includes all commercially available vaccines (except those covered by Part B). A new preventive vaccine may not specifically appear on their list of approved vaccines, but the plan may still cover the vaccine.
Medicaid
Medicaid covers all recommended vaccines for children and some vaccines for adults. There may be a copay or fee for getting vaccinated, depending on what state you live in and where you get vaccinated. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn more.
Military Insurance
Military insurance, TRICARE, covers all recommended vaccines for people currently serving in the military and their dependents (family members they support). There may be a copay or a fee for getting vaccinated. Learn more about TRICARE coverage for vaccines.
Private Health Insurance
If you have private insurance through your employer, the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) or by paying directly to an insurance company, you should get preventative vaccines for free, which should include vaccines for COVID-19. The government passed legislation requiring most insurance plans to cover recommended preventative vaccines without charging you. That means you can usually get those preventative vaccines at no cost. Check with your doctor’s office or insurance provider to be sure.
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