(Juneau) You do not need insurance to receive a vaccination. Callers to WBEV posed that question yesterday (Monday) after some were asked to provide their insurance card at vaccination sites at area hospitals. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says those receiving the vaccine do not need to have a valid state identification and do not need insurance. Dodge County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Scott Smith tells us that the county cannot bill insurance companies as the process is funded through grants and other sources. State officials say those with insurance may see a charge from the vaccinator to their insurance provider but the vaccine is covered by all insurance plans and charges cannot be passed onto the patient at all. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) issued a bulletin to all health plans directing them to cover all costs associated with administration of the COVID-19 vaccination, without cost sharing. State health officials remind vaccinators that they cannot refuse to vaccinate someone if they do not have health insurance, or for that matter identification.
If you or someone you know has been turned away by a vaccinator because of their ID and/or health insurance, please report the violation by emailing DHSCovidVaccinePublic@Wisconsin.gov or calling 844-684-1064 (toll-free).
