Bridge Access Program Facts
All In Against COVID-19
FAQs
1. Do people have to enroll in the Bridge Access Program?
No, if you are an uninsured adult or if your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of a COVID-19 vaccine from an in-network provider, you are already eligible for free COVID-19 vaccines through Bridge Access. No enrollment is required.
2. Does the Bridge Access Program apply to people on Medicare or Medicaid?
No. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, then you are already eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine through your Medicare or Medicaid plans.
3. What does it mean to be ‘underinsured?’
Underinsured’ means that your healthcare plan does NOT cover the full cost of a COVID-19 vaccine, even when going to an in-network provider. It’s rare, but some insurance plans were granted exceptions to not cover COVID-19 vaccines. If that’s the case for you, you can get a free COVID vaccine through Bridge Access.
4. What if someone isn’t sure if their insurance covers the cost of a COVID shot?
If you are unsure if your insurance covers a COVID shot or if you want to be sure that you go to an in-network vaccine provider that will not charge you for it, you should call your healthcare provider to confirm.
5. Can someone who is undocumented get a free COVID-19 vaccine through the Bridge Access Program?
Yes, identification and proof of residency are not required to get a free COVID-19 vaccine through the Bridge Access Program. They would just tell the vaccine provider that they do not have insurance, and they would need to be sure that they go to a Bridge Access Provider.
6. Do I have to tell a vaccine provider that I’m covered under Bridge Access?
Before the shot is administered, you must let the vaccine provider know that you are uninsured (or that your insurance does not cover the full cost of a COVID-19 vaccine) and confirm that they are a Bridge Access Provider before your appointment.
7. If I have insurance but go to an out-of-network vaccine provider, and they need to charge me a copay, can that be covered under Bridge Access?
No. If you have insurance but you go to an out-of-network vaccine provider, you will be charged a copay. To avoid this, confirm with your health insurance company if the vaccine provider you plan to use is considered in-network for your insurance plan.
8. Do I need to pay upfront for a vaccine and request reimbursement through Bridge Access?
No. If you get vaccinated through Bridge Access, you will not be charged.
9. Does Bridge Access cover other vaccines, such as flu shots?
No, the Bridge Access Program only covers COVID-19 vaccines.
10. Why doesn’t the Bridge Access Program cover COVID shots for kids?
Kids who have insurance can get free COVID-19 vaccines through their insurance.
Kids who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native are covered under the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. VFC is a federally funded program that provides no-cost vaccines for kids at healthcare providers' offices, pharmacies, and clinics enrolled in the VFC Program.