Overcharge for Vaccines
I realize this is not a significant financial issue, but I was hoping for some sort of comment from you. Thank you for your time —
I was charged $324 (Dec 2020) & $324 (May 2021) (2 different years) for 2 HZV Zoster (Shingrixmc) Vaccines. I received my first shot which was recommended by my doctor (in her office) during my Medicare physical. I was not told in any way of the costly charge for this vaccine. Medicare/BlueCross/BlueShield does not cover the Shingrix shot. It is covered under Plan D – it is a Tier 3 drug. My deductible under Aetna was more costly than the shots and I have been paying the bill under threat from North Shore of the bill going to collections. I have pleaded with various sources in the billing office, supervisors, etc. including the individual doctor about lowering this costly fee. I finally received a 10% discount. The full cost of Shingrix from the Internet (valuepenguin.com – “Medicare & the Shingles Vaccine: Are you Covered?) is $162 per shot. totaling $324 for two doses. I was charged twice that amount – plus I am a senior on Medicare! I am paying, but am boiling. Any suggestions from you would be sooo appreciated. Is there anything further I can do? The drug is made by GlaxoSmithKline, should I write to them? The cost for this shot is $40 at Costco. I made a very costly error by receiving this shot in my doctor’s office.
Terry Says
I’m posting your letter not because I have an answer for you — but because it for sure will be eye-opening for others!
We typically don’t look at the “cost” of medical procedures, because we assume that “insurance’ will cover everything — especially once on Medicare and with Part B. But I’ve always advised taking Part D immediately, even if you aren’t taking regular prescription drugs.
Still, it’s unconscionable for a physician’s office to be making this kind of profit from seniors who don’t have insurance for it. Please write back with the practice name and address, and I will update this post so others can avoid. Tell them you’re doing that!
You are so articulate that yes, I would advise you to write to GlaxoSmithKline. They likely have a consumer hotline number on their website. And just as a last comment, I’m glad you got the shots. From what I have heard, Shingles is a horrible thing to have!
