Wake Grandmother Claims Medicaid Changes Increased COVID-19 Vaccine Cost to $190

A grandmother in Wake County, North Carolina, was shocked when she was told she had to pay $190.99 per child for the latest COVID-19 vaccine at a local pharmacy, despite having Medicaid coverage. The pharmacy informed her that Medicaid no longer covers the vaccine for children and that they must be 19 or older to receive coverage. The grandmother expressed concern for her grandchildren's safety, especially with the recent surge in respiratory viruses among children. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services stated that children with Medicaid can receive the vaccine for free at local health departments or Vaccines for Children Program-enrolled providers, but pharmacies are currently not part of the program.