LINCOLN- The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced Wednesday that it would no longer be offering COVID-19 vaccine shots to Nebraskans who have private health insurance. Their reasoning for the change, which was provided in a press release, was based on the recent federal decision to no longer pay for every American to receive the vaccines free of charge.

"The Health Department serves as a safety net for members of our community who have limited health care coverage or none at all and helps ensure they have access to the vaccine," said Pat Lopez, the Health Director, "We're now returning to a more traditional role, but if the situation changes, we stand ready to respond."

Most Nebraskans with private health insurance should be able to receive the vaccine with no out-of-pocket costs, and seniors with Medicare will also be able to obtain the vaccine through a pharmacy or health provider. However, some have noted that scheduling a vaccine appointment in Lincoln has become increasingly difficult, but Health Department spokeswoman Leah Bucco-White said the department has checked with several large pharmacies in Lincoln and has not received any reports of a vaccine shortage.

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