Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- If you had to pay for a flu shot at Walgreens, you could be getting your money back. On Monday, the state attorney general announced a settlement after folks were allegedly misled by Walgreens into thinking they were covered for flu shots, when in fact, they weren’t.
Walgreens is being told to pay back more than 1,600 people who were led to believe their New York State Empire insurance plan covered their flu shot during 2010 and 2011 seasons, but wound up getting a bill in the mail after getting the shot and eventually ended up paying the full $30.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thousands of people die each year from the flu and its complications. The state attorney general says eliminating barriers to flu vaccinations like this is an important health issue. Walgreens is being told to end it’s advertising campaign about free flu shots and pay the state $15,000.
When looking for a free flu shot this year, the attorney general suggests checking with your insurance company to see if your plan covers shots given in a retail pharmacy, as some plans do not.
