California is implementing a state-funded program to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines for adults who are uninsured or underinsured. This initiative, expected to begin in October 2024, follows the conclusion of the federal Bridge Access Program in August 2024. The program is designed to ensure continued access to the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, which protects against recent circulating virus variants, for eligible individuals who would otherwise face out-of-pocket costs of up to $200.
The California Bridge Access Program is anticipated to function similarly to its federal predecessor. It will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines for certain adults aged 19 years and older. Supplies for the program are projected to be available at least through the end of 2024. Individuals who are uninsured or underinsured can contact their local health department for assistance in locating vaccines at no cost.
Eligibility and Definitions
Eligibility for the program is specifically targeted at adults who lack insurance or whose insurance provides insufficient vaccine coverage. The term "underinsured" is formally defined as a person who meets one of the following criteria: - Has health insurance, but the plan does not include any vaccine coverage. - Has insurance that covers only selected vaccines. - Has a health plan that does not provide first-dollar coverage for vaccines (i.e., requires payment before coverage begins). - Is enrolled in a plan where a copay is required for vaccines.
It is important to note that individuals insured through Medicaid or Medi-Cal are not eligible for this specific program. They can obtain vaccination through their existing Medicaid/Medi-Cal coverage. The program is exclusively for adults aged 19 and older.
How to Find and Access Vaccines
Individuals seeking a free COVID-19 vaccine through this program can use the state's My Turn website to locate participating providers. When making an appointment online, applicants must select "No" for the question "does the patient have insurance." This selection will filter the results to show only locations that have agreed to offer the vaccine at no cost to eligible individuals.
For those who prefer walk-in clinics, the My Turn website can be used to search for locations tagged as "serves uninsured." For individuals who are homebound or have difficulty leaving their home, in-home vaccination appointments can be requested by calling (833) 540-0473 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Vaccine Recommendations and Timing
Health officials recommend that everyone six months and older receive the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides especially strong recommendations for the following groups: - Individuals over 65 years of age. - Those at high risk for severe COVID-19. - Residents of long-term care facilities. - Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future.
The need for an additional vaccine is based on the fact that protection from previous vaccinations decreases over time. The updated vaccine is formulated to protect against recent circulating variants. For individuals who have recently had COVID-19, it is generally recommended to wait three months before receiving the new vaccine.
Supporting Resources and Information
For additional information and resources regarding COVID-19 and vaccinations, several authoritative sources are available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides general information on COVID-19, guidance documents, and vaccine information for families. The CDC also maintains the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a passive reporting system co-managed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) where anyone can report possible side effects after vaccination.
Other national resources include the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), the COVID Tracking Project, and the Immunization Action Coalition.
In California, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Immunization Branch provides COVID-19 vaccine updates. Community organizations, such as the California Immunization Coalition (CIC), partner with the CDPH to distribute information. The CIC has compiled resources from websites like Vaccinate Your Family, GetVaccineAnswers.org, and the Vaccine Confidence Project to help individuals make informed decisions. Joint letters from the California Academy of Pediatrics (CA-AAP), California Academy of Family Physicians, California Medical Association, and CIC, in partnership with the CDPH, are also available for healthcare practitioners and partners.
Conclusion
California's state-funded Bridge Access Program provides a critical pathway for uninsured and underinsured adults to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine at no cost from October 2024 through the end of the year. Eligibility is clearly defined, and access is facilitated through the My Turn website, which helps individuals find participating providers, including walk-in clinics and in-home services for those with mobility challenges. Health authorities continue to recommend the updated vaccine for broad population groups, particularly those at higher risk for severe disease. For comprehensive information, individuals are directed to official resources from the CDC, CDPH, and trusted health organizations.