COVID-19 Vaccine Is Free, Really

• According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free for everyone living in the United States, even if you don’t have insurance.”
• But many Americans are skeptical. This is not a surprise considering how expensive medical care is, especially for the uninsured.
• The vaccine is free thanks to HRSA’s Uninsured Program.

More than a year after the pandemic, Americans still have doubts about whether life will return to normal, whether they should leave the mask at home and eat inside restaurants again.

But one thing Americans should not be clear about is whether the vaccine is free.

The answer is yes. Yes, the vaccine is free. So why do some people still have questions?

It’s no wonder people are skeptical, as almost nothing in the US healthcare system is free, especially if you’re one of the 27.5 million people who don’t have health insurance.

When the government promises that the COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone and still asks people to bring their insurance information to the appointment, many people in the United States hesitate, while others refuse to come forward.

So let’s clear things up right now.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine free?

Short answer: yes. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free for everyone living in the United States, even if you don’t have insurance.”

Why does my doctor ask for my insurance information if the vaccine is free?

The vaccine is free thanks to HRSA’s Uninsured Program. It is part of the legislation that includes the Family First Response to Coronavirus Act, the Paycheck Protection Program and the Health Care Improvement Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) , and the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA). Through this legislation, HHS provides claim reimbursement to healthcare professionals for testing and treating the uninsured.

“The vaccine is free for everyone. However, it can be free as a special arrangement between insurance, manufacturers and the federal government, ”said Dr. Jordan Tishler, an emergency physician and medical cannabis expert in Massachusetts. “There are several reasons why insurance questions are asked when receiving the COVID vaccine. A portion of the cost of the vaccine can be recovered from insurance. All of this happens behind the scenes without the patient being involved. ”

What do I do if I’m still not sure?

You will not have to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether you have health insurance. But before your appointment, you can call the doctor’s office and tell them that you don’t have insurance or that you want to confirm that the vaccine will be free.

HHS suggests that you confirm that the healthcare professional you will see participates in the HRSA Uninsured Program, and they will.

“I think Americans today are confused about a lot of things to do with COVID and generally distrust our government. I suspect that in certain circles, these concerns have been amplified by misinformation aimed at undermining the credibility of the medical establishment as well as the government, ” – Tishler said.

What do I do if I still receive a bill?

Contact your healthcare professional, says HHS. The government reimburses healthcare professionals who are part of the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program for vaccinations and other COVID-related services, such as testing. This means that they cannot send you a balance invoice, so you should not receive an invoice.

“Regardless of your insurance status, providers cannot charge you for the COVID-19 vaccine or the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine,” the HHS writes. “If you experience or witness possible violations of this requirement, you can report the matter to the Office of the Inspector General, US Department of Health and Human Services, by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the TIPS website. .HHS. GOV “.

“Everyone, with very minor medical exemptions, should get vaccinated,” Tishler added. “The data is conclusive.”