No one should skip vaccinations because they cannot pay for them. There are several programs available to help those who cannot afford to pay for vaccines.
VFC is a federal program that provides free vaccines for children that qualify.
Did You Know?
Children who are eligible for the VFC program can get their free vaccines from a “VFC provider.” Ask your doctor if they are a VFC provider.
All recommended vaccines are free through the VFC program. But, there may be other costs for your child’s vaccine visit. For example:
- Doctors can charge a fee to give each shot. If you can not afford this fee, talk to your doctor. VFC vaccines cannot be denied to an eligible child if the family cannot afford the fee.
- There can be a fee/co-pay for the office visit. If your child is on Medicaid, that office visit is paid for by Medicaid. If your child is not on Medicaid, you are responsible for paying for the office visit.
- There can be fees/co-pays for non-vaccine services, like an eye exam or a blood test.
know before you go!
VFC Coordinators can help answer other questions about how the VFC program works in your area.
If your doctor is not a VFC provider, contact your state’s VFC Coordinator to find out the best place to get your child their free vaccines through VFC. They may tell you to go to a different doctor, a public health clinic, a federally-qualified health center (FQHC) or a rural health clinic (RHC).
If your child is eligible for VFC because they are “underinsured,” they must get their free vaccines at a FQHC or RHC.
If your children (up to 19 years old) need health insurance, they may be eligible for CHIP. CHIP provides low-cost health care including vaccines to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
In some states, CHIP also covers people who are pregnant. Check with your state program for more information. (Note: this link will open in a new tab. Be sure to return and complete the lesson.)
This is a joint federal and state health insurance program for low-income:
- Adults
- Children
- Pregnant people
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
Even though the federal government pays a portion of the costs, Medicaid is run by the states. Each state's program is a little different and has different income eligibility rules.
- Young adults up to 21 years old may be eligible for Medicaid.
- Teens/young adults who have “aged out” of foster care can be covered by Medicaid. There is no income limit until they reach age 26.
before you go!
If you are pregnant and on Medicaid the recommended flu and Tdap vaccines MAY be free. This depends on the state you live in. To find out the answer, ask your healthcare provider or contact your state’s Medicaid office. (This link will open in a new tab.)
Children under the age of 21 who are eligible for the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit should get all recommended vaccines. (This link will open in a new tab)
This is the federal health insurance program for people who are:
- 65 or older
- Younger than 65 with certain disabilities
- Living with end-stage renal disease
Medicare Part B
These vaccines are covered by Part B. If you use a Medicare participating provider, the vaccine should be free (no deductible or coinsurance). Medicare Advantage Plans are required to cover these vaccines for $0 (no deductible, coinsurance or co-pay) when you see an in-network* provider.
- Yearly Flu Vaccine
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccine
- Hepatitis B Vaccine for people at increased risk of hepatitis (Link will open in a new tab)
- Vaccines needed if you have been exposed to a dangerous virus or disease. For example, Part B will cover a tetanus shot (Td or Tdap) if you step on a rusty nail, or a rabies shot if you are bitten by a dog.
Medicare Part D
These vaccines are covered by Part D. The amount you pay for your vaccine may vary depending on where you get vaccinated. Be sure to check your plan’s rules to see where you can get your vaccines at the lowest cost. Typically, you will pay the least for your vaccines if you get them at an in-network* provider or pharmacy.
- Shingles Vaccine
- MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) Vaccine
- Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Whooping Cough) Vaccine
- Td (Tetanus-Diphtheria) Vaccine - Needed every 10 years
- Other recommended vaccines
If you serve in the military or are a military dependent, you are eligible for TRICARE. Under TRICARE, vaccines are covered according to the CDC schedules.
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Your local health department can tell you where to go for free or lower-cost vaccines for all of your family members. They might suggest a federally-qualified health center or a rural health clinic in your area. This link will help you contact your local health department.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) most private health insurance plans must cover certain preventive services at no charge - even if you have not met your yearly deductible. These include vaccinations for children, teens, adults, and people who are pregnant.
- You must go to an in-network* healthcare provider.
- You should not owe a co-pay, co-insurance or a deductible.
Visit the Health Insurance Marketplace to find health insurance for yourself and your family. (This link will open in a new tab.)
*A provider that has a contract with your health insurance company. Ask your health insurance for a list of in-network providers in your area.
*A provider that has a contract with your health insurance company. Ask your health insurance for a list of in-network providers in your area.
*A provider that has a contract with your health insurance company. Ask your health insurance for a list of in-network providers in your area.
*A provider that has a contract with your health insurance company. Ask your health insurance for a list of in-network providers in your area.