CVS Advertises Free Covid & Flu Shots

Tony Nathanson

Tony Nathanson

Well-known member
Since they're free, I was curious about who pays for the expensive TV ads & the vaccines. And also why they always suggest getting them when customers pick up prescriptions.
Yes, CVS gets paid by health insurance companies or government programs like Medicare when a patient receives a "free" flu shot.

How CVS Gets Paid
    • Direct Billing: CVS Pharmacy directly bills national and regional health plans, commercial insurers, and Medicare Part B for the cost of the vaccine and the administration fee. [1]
    • No Out-of-Pocket Cost: "Free" means the patient has a $0 copay because the Affordable Care Act or the patient's specific insurance policy covers preventative care in full, but the insurer still reimburses CVS for the service. [1, 2]
    • Variable Rates: The exact amount CVS is paid depends on the negotiated rate with each specific insurance provider or the fixed reimbursement rate set by Medicare
 
They are also free at my Kroger pharmacy .

So is the DPT vaccine, or whatever it’s called these days. I only know that because the tech knows I have horses and I’m at the barn every day. My tetanus shot is at least 15 years old, so she mentioned the free part and I could come in anytime. I’m still chewing on that one, because a tetanus vaccine makes sense in my world.
 
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