00:00 Despite pretty much no one wanting to talk about it anymore, COVID is still around and
00:04 it likely will be moving forward, just like the flu.
00:07 And there's a new vaccine heading into the fall as well.
00:09 However, its rollout isn't going very well.
00:12 The Hill reports that while many people have already gotten it, some, even those who are
00:16 insured, are having to pay for it out of pocket.
00:18 With reports indicating many are paying upwards of $200 for the inoculation.
00:23 That's not supposed to happen.
00:25 But CBS News recently reported the new vaccines have new billing codes that haven't been
00:29 updated by many insurance providers.
00:31 Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a recent statement that all
00:36 Americans will be covered for COVID, whether that's through insurance, Medicare, Medicaid,
00:40 or through the government's new Bridge Access program.
00:43 However, many are concerned about the supply of the vaccine being able to meet demand as
00:47 well, while others are concerned about health departments in many areas paying the cost
00:51 of the updated vaccine, one that runs around $120, compared to the initial ones that only
00:56 cost $20.
00:57 The new vaccine is the first one that will not be provided by the government and specifically
01:02 targets the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant.
01:06 However, experts believe it will also help inoculate against the growing BA.2.86 and
01:12 EG.5 subvariants as well.
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