Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The flu season is upon us and you want to know whether you have to pay for the vaccine out-of-pocket.
A NewsChannel 9 viewer saw signs outside her local pharmacy proclaiming the availability of flu shots. So, she and a family member went in, but had to pay out-of-pocket and are now out $60. Doesn’t my medical insurance cover this, she asks?
It depends on your policy. We called branches of all the major stand alone pharmacy chains in Central New York. All of them said they could submit the cost of a flu shot – typically around $30 – to your insurance provider. They just couldn’t guarantee the charge would be accepted.
Policies that cover flu shots under members’ medical benefits typically require that you see an in-network provider. That can be a primary care physician or large retail pharmacy chain, but you must check your policy to see who is included in the list.
If you believe you have been mistakenly charged for a flu shot, you can contact your insurance provider’s customer service department to submit a claim for reimbursement.
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