Costco Flu Shots for $16.99

[twocat]

I did some calling around this morning to find the best price on a flu shot.

Costco was 16.99, Walgreens and CVS were both 31.99.

I'll be heading to Costco today, for sure!

When I spoke with the pharmacist at CVS, he said they have been running out daily and to get there early. That's probably true of most places giving the flu shot.

 

[Lewisc]

Virtually all health plans now cover flu shots in full. Your deductible and copays don't apply. COSTCO doesn't accept most insurance.

That means my out of pocket cost at CVS is zero and my out of pocket cost at COSTCO would be $17.

 

[sharonmickey]

Hate to disagree LewisC but in this area insurance only covers flu shots AFTER meeting the deductible. I called Highmark yesterday and that's what I was told. Walgreens was $31.99 for flu shot and Rite Aid was $29.99. Highmark said they only cover shots at doctor's offices, urgi-care centers, Rite Aid, or Giant Eagle but only after meeting your family deductible. Wish we had a Costco close, I would be happy to pay only $16.99 for a flu shot.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Hate to disagree LewisC but in this area insurance only covers flu shots AFTER meeting the deductible.

This cannot be true. While your particular insurance plan may not cover flu immunizations, lots of people where you live must have insurance which covers immunizations.

Why wait so long, anyway? The flu immunization was readily available early last fall. Just curious.

 

[mjkacmom]

Hate to disagree LewisC but in this area insurance only covers flu shots AFTER meeting the deductible. I called Highmark yesterday and that's what I was told. Walgreens was $31.99 for flu shot and Rite Aid was $29.99. Highmark said they only cover shots at doctor's offices, urgi-care centers, Rite Aid, or Giant Eagle but only after meeting your family deductible. Wish we had a Costco close, I would be happy to pay only $16.99 for a flu shot.

That is your insurance. Mine covers all shots, and my cvs flu shot was free, as were the kids.

 

[Lewisc]

Hate to disagree LewisC but in this area insurance only covers flu shots AFTER meeting the deductible. I called Highmark yesterday and that's what I was told. Walgreens was $31.99 for flu shot and Rite Aid was $29.99. Highmark said they only cover shots at doctor's offices, urgi-care centers, Rite Aid, or Giant Eagle but only after meeting your family deductible. Wish we had a Costco close, I would be happy to pay only $16.99 for a flu shot.

I said virtually all. That might be an exaggeration, but not as much as you think. First dollar preventative coverage is required by states like NY. It's also required under the Affordable Health Care Law. Some existing plans may be grandfathered and aren't yet required to add this coverage.

I'm not saying every plan covers CVS. Plans have participating providers. Most drug chains try to get contracts with most insurance companies.

I suspect some people have the coverage but are being given old information.

edited to add Expanding on what Lost in cyberspace said. Your statement that insurance in your area doesn't cover immunizations can't be right. There has to be some plans in your area which aren't grandfathered and are subject to the Affordable Health Care Act.

 

[Stitch1231]

If you live near a PAthmark, A&P, Walbaums, Superfresh and they still have flu shots available they are 12.49 with their live better wellness club

 

[Free4Life11]

Do you have to be a Costco member? My partner does not have health insurance and I am trying to find the lowest cost flu shot for him.

 

[robsmom]

I am 90% sure that my insurance would cover flu shots as we have 100% preventive coverage of all other shots. That said, our County offers them free each year to all residents. They publish a list of dates and locations and you can get the form on-line to fill out before you go. Show them your proof of residency, given them the consent form and stick your arm out. No appointments necessary and I have never had to wait more than 5-10 minutes. Great service.

 

[akcire]

Do you have to be a Costco member? My partner does not have health insurance and I am trying to find the lowest cost flu shot for him.

In il you can use the pharmacy or buy alcohol at warehouse clubs without a membership. I would call the pharmacy at your Costco to find out how the law works in your state

 

[AuroraRora]

Do you have to be a Costco member? My partner does not have health insurance and I am trying to find the lowest cost flu shot for him.

I'm in NY and called the Costco nearest me, and they told me I'd have to be a member to use it, and also that I wasn't allowed to use one of the trial/guest passes.

If he doesn't have insurance at all, Walgreens/Duane Reade has a great prescription savings club you can join. I save a lot of money on my monthly prescriptions with it, and it got me a discount on my flu shot too. It was supposed to be $31.99, I got it for $25

 

[Lewisc]

You don't have to be a COSTCO member in many states, including NY, to buy prescriptions. The policy only applies to prescriptions, OTC drugs rung up on the pharmacy counter are only sold to members.