Hep B vaccinations not covered by insurance

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Like many of us, I have to get the Hep B vaccinations series.... I have to provide proof that I've gotten at least the 1st of the vaccinations by July 5th. After scheduling an appointment for a complete physical next week, my physician told me that most insurances don't cover Hep B vaccines for adults. I just knew she was wrong, so I called my insurance company and they don't cover it.... :uhoh21: .....this is crazy.....you have insurance and you can't utilize it. So I've been calling around for hours...and that shot it expensive....I called one doctor and she told me $95......the cheapest price I got was $55....but she couldn't fit me in until the end of the month...there is no way my lab results will be back by July 5th. Every time I get one step closer to my goals...something always gets in the way....

Fatima

Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

That's so strange that none of your insurance companies cover it. I didn't have any problems with our HMO (surprise, surprise) covering my Hep B, MMR or any other physical stuff for nursing school. It amazes me that insurance companies can be so stoooopid and not cover a dumb vaccination, yet will pay if you DO get sick with something. Where is the cost savings in that???? :angryfire

I know, that's what my dh and I were talking about...it's covered for our children but as an adult it's not...this is really crazy....I'm going to call around some more tomorrow. I also called Rutgers University, which is down the street from my CC...and they told me that they only cater to Rutgers students...I find that hard to believe...even if it's for a little more money...I'm going to call back tomorrow and ask to speak to a nurse.

Fatima

Specializes in ER, ICU, Cardiac, Med-Surg.

3 ideas come to mind...

-consider getting a part time job with an agency/company that offers Hepatitis immunizations for employees. I just got on the "on call" list for a youth detention center. I am getting mine shots for free. Many LTC, home health care, hospitals, day cares pay for their employees' immunizations.

-call your nursing school's health office. Chances are they know who offers what and for what price. They also may offer it themselves at a discounted rate. (My school does for $25 per shot vs. the $35 per at the health dept.)

-go in to a clinic for confidential HIV testing. My understanding is that they have to offer you the hep series. Sounds crazy but might work.

Good luck. I know how it is to want to save as much money as possible. It all adds up!

I got mine at the public health department for free. I was just back in the country, no insurance, and I needed it for a refresher course I was going to take. Thank goodness - the blood tests for my immunizations were almost $300 in themselves (no job, no insurance - what do the schools think?). And, by the way, although I agree very strongly with a national health service, I found the one in Britain foundering because people DON'T think of the costs. Remember, it's not a free service, you pay for it with your taxes, which are gettin to be less and less useful.

If your county's health department doesn't offer it then find out if the next county over offers it. Health care in this country is now Wealth care. I got mine through an employer who refused to give us records of the shots! It is cheaper to go to the health department and have it redone then get a titer from the doctor. Some schools allow you to sign a waiver - so you cannot sue them if you get it. Check to see if your school allows a waiver.

Up here our shots all add up to 15 dollars. Thank god.

3 ideas come to mind...

-call your nursing school's health office. Chances are they know who offers what and for what price. They also may offer it themselves at a discounted rate. (My school does for $25 per shot vs. the $35 per at the health dept.)

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My school does offer the Hep B shot for $25...when I called to make an appt. the receptionist told me that I would have to call back the first week in July to get an appt....I'm supposed to have the shot by July 5th. I will call another county to see if they offer Hep B shots though. If it's not one thing it's another... :o

Fatima

At our local health department if you request an HIV test, they will give you the series of Hep B shots for free.

i know what you mean. i two have to get the shots. my deadline is aug 2nd so i have a little more time to come up with the money.:o

like many of us, i have to get the hep b vaccinations series.... i have to provide proof that i've gotten at least the 1st of the vaccinations by july 5th. after scheduling an appointment for a complete physical next week, my physician told me that most insurances don't cover hep b vaccines for adults. i just knew she was wrong, so i called my insurance company and they don't cover it.... :uhoh21: .....this is crazy.....you have insurance and you can't utilize it. so i've been calling around for hours...and that shot it expensive....i called one doctor and she told me $95......the cheapest price i got was $55....but she couldn't fit me in until the end of the month...there is no way my lab results will be back by july 5th. every time i get one step closer to my goals...something always gets in the way....

fatima

in ky the health department will only if you bring the vac and they will charge $3. that is if you are over i think 21 up to that age they will give it to you.:o

try your county or parish health department. at mine it's 30 bux a pop.

My school does offer the Hep B shot for $25...when I called to make an appt. the receptionist told me that I would have to call back the first week in July to get an appt....I'm supposed to have the shot by July 5th. I will call another county to see if they offer Hep B shots though. If it's not one thing it's another... :o

Fatima

Call that stinking receptionist back and TELL HER your deadline. She should know about it since she works there, duh!!! man, some of these schools amaze me!!!

We don't have to have our series until the fall when the school nurse will offer the series for $25 each.

Specializes in home health, LTC, assisted living.
Like many of us, I have to get the Hep B vaccinations series.... I have to provide proof that I've gotten at least the 1st of the vaccinations by July 5th. After scheduling an appointment for a complete physical next week, my physician told me that most insurances don't cover Hep B vaccines for adults. I just knew she was wrong, so I called my insurance company and they don't cover it.... :uhoh21: .....this is crazy.....you have insurance and you can't utilize it. So I've been calling around for hours...and that shot it expensive....I called one doctor and she told me $95......the cheapest price I got was $55....but she couldn't fit me in until the end of the month...there is no way my lab results will be back by July 5th. Every time I get one step closer to my goals...something always gets in the way....

Fatima

I found this out too, they will not pay for a Hep B titer either, nor will they pay for a Rubella titer. :uhoh3:

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