Can you get the Covid shot for free? In Washington state, probably

Everyone in Washington state can get this fall’s Covid vaccine, thanks to a standing order from the state health officer — and most Washington state residents can rest assured they won’t have to pay for it, due to various state programs and regulations.

For example, all children in the state are covered, regardless of their insurance, as long as they go to a provider that participates in the Childhood Vaccine Program. Similarly, uninsured and underinsured adults can get free vaccines from participating providers.

Also, everyone with Apple Health, or state Medicaid, can get the shot free of charge.

And because of state regulations, all plans bought on the Washington state health exchange, and those provided by small employers in the state, have to cover the Covid vaccine for everyone.

That leaves large employers, with 50 or more employees, as the main question mark. They’re largely expected to cover the vaccine, but some might base their coverage on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations coming out later this month.

“Those recommendations are what guide coverage requirements,” said Richard Hughes, an attorney and professor of vaccine law at George Washington University.

In other words, if the CDC’s vaccine committee recommends the vaccine for, say, all people over 65, or everyone with asthma, all insurance companies are legally mandated to cover the shots for that group.

If the CDC continues to recommend the vaccine for seniors and people with serious medical conditions, Medicare will also be required to cover the shots for them.

Beyond the requirements, Hughes says insurance companies should want to cover the vaccine.

“You want to look at it in terms of, you’re making an investment,” Hughes said. “If we all make an investment in preventive care and getting people vaccinated, we avert these poor health outcomes, and collectively we do better and it produces cost savings.”

In the case that your insurance does not cover the vaccine, it could run you hundreds of dollars.