Is the COVID-19 vaccine still free? The simple answer is yes.

As the pandemic expands and the associated federal program ends, some have expressed concern about whether the COVID-19 vaccine will remain free.

Shari Perez, health research program coordinator at the United Community Center, said clients at the center’s vaccine clinic are consistently asking questions about vaccine prices. They were also concerned about whether they needed to show insurance or identification to get the vaccine.

Here’s what you need to know about vaccines in Wisconsin and their availability:

So is the vaccine still free?

Yes. The federal government requires vaccinated people to provide patients with free shots, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay or insurance. The State Health Department also promises to provide the vaccine free of charge.

Recent guidance from the Department of Health Services states:

“Everyone in Wisconsin can get vaccinated for free, even if they don’t have insurance or the insurance doesn’t cover COVID-19 vaccination,” Guidance said. “Vaccine providers cannot charge patients for fees that are not covered by insurance, nor can they require people to provide IDs or claim out-of-pocket costs. Organizations cannot charge COVID-19 vaccine dosing fees. You should take the COVID-19 vaccine regardless of your ability to pay for it or your insurance coverage. “

Why are some people worried?

Perez said the vaccine is “long-lasting” and some patients are worried that healthcare providers will start charging soon. Others have asked about changes in their insurance coverage and protection guidelines.

Changes at the federal level have also raised questions. Health Resources Business Bureau Recently, due to lack of funds, it has announced that it will no longer accept claims for the COVID-19 uninsured program, which reimbursed healthcare providers for vaccination of uninsured persons with the COVID-19 vaccine.

The program will end, but those who provide the vaccine must follow the CDC guidelines and provide the vaccine free of charge regardless of vaccination.

Are they still free?

That will be the case for now, but that may change in the end.

Emily Tau, a spokesman for the Milwaukee Health Department, said the vaccine would be free for the foreseeable future. The city’s health department follows the same guidance as the state’s health services department, so as long as the state provides it, it will continue to provide vaccines free of charge.

However, she said, the ministry encourages members of the community to get the vaccine now, in case the price of the vaccine changes.

Continued changes at the federal level can affect how vaccines are distributed, including the potential termination of federal public health emergencies. The state will continue to follow the CDC guidelines, according to Elizabeth Goodsit, a spokesman for the Department of Health Services.

“We don’t yet know which guidelines the CDC will update to continue to respond to pandemics in real time, but we will continue to follow the CDC’s guidance on the COVID-19 vaccination program,” Goodsitt said.

What if someone tries to charge me for the vaccine?

Contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (844-684-1064) or send an email [email protected] This number and email address allow consumers to complain or ask questions about vaccine pricing.

Where are the vaccines?

To find a vaccine in the city Visit HealthyMKE.org.. The site has an interactive map where you can browse pop-up clinics, federal qualified health centers, and events that provide vaccines.

The Milwaukee Health Department offers vaccines at:

Monday and Friday from 9am to 3pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 6 pm.Saturday from 9am to 1pm

• Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Road
• Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday from noon to 6 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm

• Menomony Valley Test Site, 2401 W. St. Paul Avenue.

Vaccines are also posted on the federal website. Vaccines.gov.. You can also text the zip code to 438829 or call 800-232-0233 for support.