As a member of Health Access Solutions, it is simple to get a free COVID-19 vaccination. We want to make sure our members not only know this, but also have the information they need if they decide that they want to access a no-cost COVID-19 vaccine.
HAS isn’t insurance — and that’s a good thing!
Remember that your Health Access Benefit isn’t insurance, which means that, unless you are supplementing your benefit with a traditional insurance plan, you are technically “uninsured.” (Note: If you also have a traditional insurance plan, then you will need to use that insurance plan for your COVID-19 vaccination).
Through the Bridge Access Program, uninsured adults can receive COVID-19 vaccinations for free. Similarly, the Vaccines for Children program offers free vaccinations for uninsured children, which currently includes the COVID-19 vaccine.
Here’s how to utilize these programs, in the event that you or a family member would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, keep in mind that these programs may change in the future, so you’ll want to confirm on your own that the details we outline here are still current.
What do I do, if I would like a COVID-19 vaccine?
As a Health Access Member, you are empowered to make the best decisions for you and your family. If you or your family member would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the process is simple.
Option One: Talk to your Doctor or Pharmacy
Call your primary care office, or your family’s pharmacy, explain that you do not have insurance, and confirm that they either participate in a relevant government program or they are willing to bill the federal government for your COVID-19 test (also called the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program).
If you’re seeking a vaccine for an adult, then you will need to confirm the office or pharmacy participates in the Bridge Access Program. For pediatric patients, they will need to participate in the Vaccines for Children program.
Option Two: Search Vaccines.gov
If your provider’s office is not willing to bill the federal government, or they do not participate in the relevant programs, then you can search for a provider through vaccines.gov.
This service has a search function to look for vaccine options by zip code, vaccine type, and age. After your initial search, you will have further options to narrow your search for the right providers.
To make sure you’re only seeing providers who offer no-cost vaccines, make sure you check the box “Bridge Access Program Participant.” Checking this box, along with a selection of the age of your child, will ensure the providers also offer free vaccines to children.
Once you have found a provider, you can contact them directly to schedule your vaccine. At the time of service, and after you have received your vaccine, you should not receive a bill.
If you receive a bill, contact your provider to make sure that they submitted your COVID-19 bill to the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program or otherwise sought their reimbursement through the relevant federal program.
Keep Your Family Healthy
You want to keep your family healthy, and we want to help you receive top-quality health care! If you need assistance or have any questions about your Health Access Benefits and COVID-19, contact our helpful team for more information.