Flu shots can be costly—especially for an entire family—unless you know where to look for bargains. With flu season just around the corner, here are some tips.
Ask your employer. To cut down on sick days, employers frequently offer flu shots at no cost to their employees. If you’re employed, ask someone in your company’s human resources department if flu shots will be offered this season.
Check with your insurance company. Under the federal Affordable Care Act, all insurance plans that were created after March 23, 2010, are required to provide some types of preventive care, including immunizations, for free. If you have a new employer, or your employer recently switched insurance plans, call to find out if flu shots are covered.
Talk to your doctor. If you have Medicare Part B, your flu shot should be free. If you have private insurance, you may be able to get a flu shot either free or for the price of a copay. Even if you don’t think flu shots are covered by your insurance, ask the billing department at your doctor’s office to call and find out.
Look for free or low-cost flu clinics or events. Some hospitals or other health care organizations offer flu shot clinics where they will give free or low-cost flu shots to the public on a first-come-first-served basis. Centra Care is offering free shots on select dates now through November 2014. Many state or local health departments also offer free flu shot clinics. But keep in mind, you’ll need to get there early and you’ll likely wait in line. To find a flu shot clinic in your area, check the newspaper, plus search for your local health department online.
Try a drugstore or supermarket. Here are the current deals:
- CVS: $31.99. You’ll also get a 20% off shopping pass (except in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York) while supplies last.
- Walgreens: $31.99.
- Costco: $14.99.
- Rite-Aid: $31.99. You’ll also get 25 wellness+ points (except in New York or New Jersey.).
- Winn-Dixie: $24.99 (with prescription drug plan).
This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.
