How Do You Pay for
Vaccines?

Payment for vaccinations for adults may have changed for you since the measures to cover vaccinations during the pandemic lapsed. To understand vaccination coverage, you need to understand what type of insurance you have. If you do not have insurance coverage, there may also be programs that will cover most if not all the cost of your vaccinations.

Free or Not?

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. Vaccines are usually covered or there is only a small copay to get your immunization (HHS).

Children’s vaccinations are usually covered by whichever insurer covers your child’s well visits to their pediatrician’s office. Private insurers, the Vaccines for Children Program, Medicaid and other state-based programs (check your state’s public health office) may provide coverage for children’s vaccines.

Click Below to Learn More

Uninsured
Medicare
Medicaid
Military
Private

Please use the map below to identify your state’s health office.

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Uninsured

Low-cost, free, or direct pay vaccines are often  available to those without health coverage. However, you must find a path to them that works for you. The first thing to do is visit the Affordable Care Act website to see if you can get healthcare insurance coverage now. Your access to vaccines and other healthcare improves with health coverage.

If that doesn’t work for you, finding free or low-cost adult vaccines may require some research and a few steps.

ONE.

Some vaccines will require a prescription that you will need to get from a doctor. Your primary care doctor or local clinic are 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:

  • Visit our county or state health department website or call center to see where you can access vaccinations in your area.
  • For COVID-19 related information for those uninsured visit the CDC.

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.

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.

Medicare Website

Medicaid

Medicaid covers all recommended vaccines for children and most 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.

MEDICAID WEBSITE

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.

TRICARE WEBSITE

Private Health Insurance

If you have private insurance through your employer, the Affordable Care Act (ACA/ObamaCare), or by paying directly to an insurance company, you should get preventative vaccines for free. 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, pharmacy, or insurance provider to be sure.