When COVID vaccines are more widely available to the public you might wonder who’s paying for them, especially after the pandemic has hurt so many financially. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wiggington said the federal government is paying for the vaccine itself with CARES Act funding, but there is a fee to administer the shot.
“Almost all insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, are going to cover the administration of those vaccines for no cost to members,” said Wiggington.
Wiggington said while most health insurance companies will be paying the administrative fee for the vaccine if you don’t have insurance you might be charged.
“The administration cost, actually getting the shot for the vaccine, should be little to no money depending on the organization that is providing the vaccination,” said Wiggington.
Wiggington said the vaccines will be rolled out in phases based on one’s age and health risks and it will likely take several months before the COVID vaccines are widely available like the flu shot.
“As soon as the vaccines become available, many different organizations are going to be able to administer the vaccine including healthcare organizations and pharmacies,” said Wiggington.
Last week frontline healthcare workers began receiving the Pfizer vaccine in Louisiana and this week the state also received its first shipments of Moderna vaccine. LDH has added vaccine data to the coronavirus dashboard.
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