The COVID-19 vaccine may be free, but you can still see a bill. What we know so far

When the coronavirus vaccine is coming, you will not have to pay to receive it. The federal government bears a large portion of the cost of distributing the vaccine, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are taking additional steps to ensure that all Americans have access to the vaccine at no cost once it is available. , said the government organization. in a blog post.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t see an invoice. Some providers may still charge a fee for administering the vaccine or infusion, depending on the company vaccine you are using – there are several different formulations that could be available at once. Fortunately, federal regulations should be able to cap how much you might be charged, as part of an effort to make the vaccine affordable for everyone.

Pfizer and Modern have developed candidate vaccines they say are 95% effective, the first small batches of which could arrive next month, if approved by the Food and Drug Administration. (Here is who will get the COVID-19 vaccine first.) Vaccines might help end the COVID pandemic by slowing the spread of the coronavirus. While we don’t know all the details until the vaccinations start, here’s what we do know about how much you might be billed and how you might be able to appeal a medical bill for a coronavirus vaccine.

How much will the coronavirus vaccine cost?

The COVID-19 vaccine itself will be free to all Americans, as the CMS noted. The government organization also said it plans to make sure you can reimburse any FDA-approved coronavirus treatment billed to you. However, providers will be able to charge you an administrative fee for administering the vaccine to patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This would be like paying a fee when you go to the doctor or for the administration of specialized vaccines, such as an infusion, a process in which a substance – such as a drug, chemotherapy drug, or hydration – enters the bloodstream. intravenously.

If you don’t have insurance, the medical provider you used must be reimbursed for any COVID-19 treatment you receive through the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, at no cost to you.

What if I receive an invoice for my coronavirus vaccine?

If you receive a bill for your COVID-19 vaccine, you may need to file a claim with your insurance company as they are required to cover approved preventive care under the Affordable Care Act.

If you don’t have insurance and receive a bill, the regulations say doctors can be paid through the relief fund from providers of the resource administration and health services, according to the CDC, you will therefore need to contact the clinic or hospital. where you received the vaccination. Some exceptions may apply.

If you receive an invoice for administration costs, it is still not certain that these will be fully covered. It is a good idea to contact your local provider or health insurance company to find out if you will be charged additional fees before you receive a vaccine. You may have more than one option for vaccination, including finding a health care provider who would give you the vaccine for free or offer a simpler reimbursement approach if you are charged.

Who will get the COVID-19 vaccine first?

Once a coronavirus vaccine is ready for distribution to the public, here is a likely order for who can get it first.

1. Health workers

2. Essential workers

3. People with underlying health problems

4. Old people

5. All the others

Note that each state may have its own priorities for which the group could be the first in line for immunization. For example, California has released a draft of its coronavirus vaccine distribution plan (PDF).

For more information, here is what we know about vaccine candidates right now and Biden’s plan to fight COVID-19. In addition, the coronavirus mRNA vaccines will not only end the pandemic. They could change vaccines forever.

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended for health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.