Press release from Super Shot:
Super Shot: free is no longer sustainable
As of May 25, 2010, Super Shot began implementing a modest charge for its shots—$8 per immunization. This figure is less than the cost to
administer immunizations but represents the lowest possible charge, the federal Medicaid rate.Families will be asked to bring their Medicaid card for children who are enrolled in programs such as Hoosier Healthwise, and Medicaid will be billed for vaccinations. Families not enrolled in Medicaid will be asked to pay the $8 fee. However, no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
For 18 years, Super Shot – a non-profit, non-governmental program – has been fully sustained by individual donors and many generous community partners and the vaccinations were provided free of charge.
This change, however, has been forced by rising financial pressures as well as increased growth in the vaccination schedule. Donations have not increased at the same rate to cover the community’s needs. The vaccines are provided at no cost to Super Shot by the Centers for Disease Control via the Indiana State Department of Health. Still, Super Shot has expenses to store and track the vaccines, maintain thousands of records and staff the clinics with nurses and support personnel. The program even cut back on several outreach programs in 2009 and 2010.
This new policy of implementing a small fee for service, together with continued support from donors and partners, will help assure the long-term viability of the program. Super Shot operates an independent reduced cost immunization program that serves children in Allen and surrounding counties with family friendly hours and convenient locations. Last year, 12,243 children received more than 41,000 immunizations through this program. Have questions about Super Shot locations? Call 424-7468 or view the Super Shot clinic schedules on-line.
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