How Do You Pay for
Vaccines?

Payment for vaccinations for adults may have changed. To understand vaccination coverage, you need to understand what type of insurance you have. Even then you’ll have to ask to be sure of what’s paid and what’s not. 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 all of us throughout life. If you aren’t currently covered by healthcare insurance, go to the Uninsured button below. Vaccines are usually covered by insurance or there is only a small copay to get your immunization (HHS). We encourage you to get vaccinated but please ask about  your copay first.

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

 

If you need health insurance, visit HealthCare.gov to learn about affordable coverage options or your state insurance market place. Even if you do not have health insurance, you may still be able to get many vaccines for free or at a low cost. There are several places that can help.

1. Community health centers care for everyone, whether they have insurance or not. Many offer vaccines and charge based on how much money a person earns. This is called a sliding fee scale, which means people with lower incomes pay less.

2. City and county health departments often provide free or low-cost vaccines. Some hold special vaccine clinics at schools, community centers, churches, libraries, or other public locations. They can also tell you where to find affordable vaccines nearby.

3. Children from birth through age 18 who do not have health insurance may qualify for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. This is a federal program that provides recommended childhood vaccines at no cost through participating doctors and clinics. Families may still have to pay a small office visit or administration fee, but it cannot be denied if they cannot afford it.

4. Many nonprofit clinics and free medical clinics offer vaccinations at little or no cost. Some clinics receive government funding to help people who are uninsured or have limited income.

5. Look for community programs that provide free vaccines, such as community flu shot events or state-sponsored vaccination programs. Ask the pharmacist if discounts or assistance programs are available.

6. Some states provide free or reduced-cost vaccines for uninsured adults, especially during flu season or when new vaccines become available. Contact your state or local health department to learn what programs are available where you live.

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.

 

More from Medicare

Medicaid

Medicaid covers most vaccines at no cost when they are recommended by your doctor. This means you should not have to pay for the vaccine.

Step 1:Make sure your Medicaid is active.
Bring your Medicaid card with you to your appointment or call the phone number on the back of your card.

Step 2: Ask your doctor which vaccines you need.
Your doctor can tell you which vaccines are recommended based on your age, health, work, school, or travel plans.

Step 3: You can usually get vaccines at:

  • Your primary care doctor's office
  • Community health center
  • Pharmacies
  • Urgent care centers
  • Your local health department

If you do not know where to go, call your Medicaid health plan or your state Medicaid office for help find a location near you.

Step 4: Call before you go and ask:

  • Do you accept my Medicaid plan?
  • Do you have the vaccine I need?
  • Do I need an appointment?

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. Make sure the location where you receive your vaccine is an authorized provider for TriCare. 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), or by paying directly to an insurance company, you should get preventive vaccines for free. The government passed legislation requiring most insurance plans to cover recommended vaccines. Make sure the CDC recommends the vaccine you need. This should mean you'll get those preventative vaccines at no cost. Check with your doctor’s office, pharmacy, or insurance provider to be sure.