We invested in the development of the COVID vaccine, only to be billed with a markup exceeding 1500%. Insurance is set to cover a markup of 10,000% for the vaccine and boosters.

The development, production, and acquisition of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in the United States were allocated a minimum of $31.9 billion by the government. In contrast, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) disclosed a $40 billion expenditure on vaccines up to the year 2021.

While the estimated manufacturing cost for mRNA vaccine doses is in the range of $1 to $3 each, recent statements from Moderna Inc and Pfizer suggest intentions to charge health insurance plans between $110 and $130 per dose.

Despite the substantial public funding, the U.S. paid Pfizer-BioNTech SE $19.50 per dose in 2020, $24 in 2021, and $30.48 in 2022 for the booster. In parallel, Moderna received $15.25 per dose for the initial order and $26.36 in 2022.