Texas Border Business
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar highlighted new tools from the White House to help Texas residents get vaccinated. Texans sixteen years or older can now input their ZIP code at www.vaccines.gov / www.vacunas.gov or text their ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) / VACUNA (822862) to get help making a vaccine appointment at a nearby location.
In addition, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) launched a new program that will provide free COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccines to anyone without health insurance, no matter their immigration status. A Social Security Number and/or government ID may be requested but is not required.
“With these new programs and helpful tools, it’s now easier than ever to find a vaccine near you,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to crush the pandemic and return to normal. Every Texan age sixteen and up is eligible now, so visit vaccines.gov or text your ZIP code to GETVAX today to make your appointment. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I am committed to making sure every American receives in order to protect themselves, their families and their communities.”
With the help of the American Rescue Plan, which Congressman Cuellar voted for earlier this year, the pace of vaccination has quickly ramped up. As of this week, more than 105 million Americans are fully vaccinated. More than 147 million Americans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, including more than 80 percent of seniors, educators, school staff and childcare workers, as well as 90 percent of doctors.
HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program
- Everyone is eligible for COVID-19 services, no matter their immigration status. Testing, treatment or vaccinations paid for by the federal government will not affect anyone’s immigration status or be shared with immigration agencies.
- If you are uninsured and receive a bill related to COVID-19 testing or treatment, ask your provider to bill the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program instead of you.
- You cannot be billed for COVID-19 services if you are uninsured and the government is paying your healthcare provider for your care. If you receive a bill, and you already paid, you may be owed a refund and you should first speak to the person or facility that sent it. If they don’t cancel the bill or give you a refund, contact the HHS Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS or visit https://TIPS.HHS.GOV to file a complaint.
- You do not need a Social Security Number or government ID to receive free COVID-19 services.
- The doctor, pharmacy, or clinic may ask for this information but it is only to help them confirm you don’t have insurance so they can get paid by the Uninsured Program.
- You will still be treated, tested, or vaccinated for COVID-19 if you are not able to provide a Social Security Number or government ID.
- You cannot be billed for COVID-19 vaccinations. If you receive a bill, you should first speak to the person or facility that sent it. If they don’t cancel it, contact the HHS Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS or visit https://TIPS.HHS.GOV to file a complaint.
