What Programs are Available to Help Cover the Costs of Vaccination?

Depending on where you live and the specific vaccines that you or your children need, obtaining the immunizations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be expensive. This is especially true if you have multiple children who need multiple vaccines each year. If you have private health insurance, your policy should provide coverage; but, if you don’t you will need to find another way to pay.

The good news is that there are several options available. These include options for financial assistance as well as low-cost and no-cost immunization. Here, vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant provides an overview of some of the main programs that are available to help cover the costs of vaccination:

Medicare and Medicaid are government health care benefit programs that provide coverage to individuals and families who qualify. Both programs cover many vaccines with little or no copay, and all eligible family members can get vaccinated.

If you or your spouse is in the military, then you can get your family vaccinated under TRICARE. As explained on the TRICARE website, “TRICARE covers vaccines at no cost. But when you get the vaccine from your provider, you may have to pay copayments or cost-shares for the office visit or for other services received during the office visit.”

Vaccines for Children (VFC) is a federal government program that, “helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.” The program covers vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs, although families may still need to pay for ancillary medical services (i.e. an office visit fee). The program is specifically available to Medicaid-eligible minors who are American Indian or Alaska Natives.

Many state and local health departments operate centers and programs that provide no-cost and low-cost vaccine options to families who need help. You can search online to find a center or program near you.

Finally, many companies offer low-cost and no-cost vaccination options to employees and their dependents, and community organizations often conduct vaccine initiatives as well (especially during flu season). If you look around, you may be able to find one of these initiatives taking place in your area.

While CDC-recommended vaccines are generally considered safe, injuries can (and do) occur. If you or your child is diagnosed with a vaccine-related injury or illness, your family may be entitled to payment under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP provides payment on a “no fault” basis, and you can hire a lawyer to handle your claim at no out-of-pocket cost.

If you would like more information about filing a VICP claim, we encourage you to get in touch. To schedule a free initial consultation with vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant, please call 202-800-1711 or request an appointment online today.

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.