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PAYING FOR GARDASIL
Do you have questions about health plan coverage for GARDASIL or assistance programs? Explore the information below to learn more.
While many private health plans are providing coverage for GARDASIL, levels of coverage can vary. Your coverage can even change over time. Because your doctor or health care professional has many patients with different health insurance benefits, he or she may not know your specific level of coverage for GARDASIL. Before you visit the doctor's office, you may want to call your health plan to find out more about your level of coverage.
By contacting your health plan directly, you can get the most accurate information about your plan’s coverage for GARDASIL. Call the phone number on your medical benefit card to learn whether any co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, or other limitations may apply.
The questions below are meant to start the conversation with your health plan—there may be other questions you should be asking based on your plan’s benefits.
- Does my health insurance provide coverage for GARDASIL?
- Are there any restrictions on coverage? If so, what are the restrictions?
- Will I have to pay for anything? For example:
- Co-pay or co-insurance? If so, what amount?
- Deductibles that may apply to GARDASIL? If so, what amount?
- Extra cost if an out-of-network provider is used? If so, what amount?
- Is there an annual coverage maximum (such as a limit on wellness or preventive services) that may affect my coverage for GARDASIL? If so:
- What is the coverage maximum?
- What is the current balance against the coverage maximum? (The amount in your health insurer’s records may not include amounts of pending insurance claims that have not been processed.)
If there is an annual coverage maximum (such as on wellness or preventive services), we suggest you discuss this issue with your doctor or health care professional.
If you don’t have insurance or your insurance isn’t paying for GARDASIL, you may qualify for one of two programs:
VACCINES FOR CHILDREN (VFC) PROGRAM
GARDASIL is part of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. VFC is a federally funded program for kids who, because of cost, would probably not be vaccinated otherwise.
VFC gives free vaccines (shots) to children who:
- Are 18 years old or younger
- Can get Medicaid
- Do not have health insurance
- Are Native American or Alaskan Native, or
- Have health insurance that does not cover shots. These children must go to a special health clinic to get the free shots.
Ask your doctor or health care professional if he or she is part of VFC. If you’re concerned about paying for GARDASIL for your child, find out more about the VFC Program.
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MERCK VACCINE PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
GARDASIL is part of the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program (MVPAP). MVPAP is a program funded by Merck & Co., Inc., for adults age 19 or older who cannot afford vaccines.
MVPAP offers free adult vaccines (shots) to people who:
- Are 19 years old or older
- Do not have health insurance, or
- Cannot afford to pay for the vaccines
If you’re worried about paying for GARDASIL for yourself, find out more about MVPAP. Find Out More >
INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL
GARDASIL is the only human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 2 types of HPV that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. In boys and young men ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 90% of genital warts cases.
GARDASIL also helps protect girls and young women ages 9 to 26 against 70% of vaginal cancer cases and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases.
GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, nor will it protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV. GARDASIL does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important for women to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL does not treat cancer or genital warts. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of GARDASIL, including those severely allergic to yeast, should not receive the vaccine. GARDASIL is not for women who are pregnant.
The side effects include pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting. Fainting can happen after getting GARDASIL. Sometimes people who faint can fall and hurt themselves. For this reason, your health care professional may ask you to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after you get GARDASIL. Some people who faint might shake or become stiff. This may require evaluation or treatment by your health care professional.
Only a doctor or health care professional can decide if GARDASIL is right for you or your child.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Read the Patient Product Information or the Prescribing Information for GARDASIL.
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GARDASIL is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
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This site is intended only for residents of the United States, its territories, and Puerto Rico.
GARDASIL is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
