Follow Us

WISCONSIN – Racine County residents should keep an eye out for a COVID-19 vaccine scam.

Some Wisconsin residents have received phone calls asking for payment for the vaccines, according to a press release issued jointly by the Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner and the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

However, the federal government has already paid for the vaccines, which are administered free of charge.

“Wisconsin consumers should know that their vaccine will be available to them at no cost,” said Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable. “Regardless of health insurance coverage, Wisconsin residents can be assured that they will not be charged to get the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act requires full coverage of the vaccine, according to a bulletin issued by the Insurance Commissioner on Dec. 22.

Consumers should be especially wary of robocalls and unsolicited phone calls, said agriculture, trade and consumer protection secretary-designee, Randy Romanski.

“Make sure to do your research, only utilize resources you know and trust, and don’t respond to unsolicited calls or email solicitations,” he said.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of a scam can file a complaint with the agriculture, trade and consumer protection department online at datcp.wi.gov. Complaints can also be filed via phone at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.

Air Quality Alert issued until 11 p.m. on May 31

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an air quality alert for Southern, Eastern, and North Central Wisconsin through 11 p.m. Wednesday. This advisory affects people living in the following counties: Racine, Kenosha, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, Marquette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington,…

2nd drug overdose alert issued this month by city, county health departments

RACINE COUNTY — A second drug overdose alert for May was issued by the city and county health departments. The Racine County Public Health Department (RCPH) and the City of Racine Public Health Department (CoRPHD) on May 30 issued the alert following an increase in suspected opioid drug overdoses in Racine County. From May 21…

Denise Lockwood has an extensive background in traditional and non-traditional media. She has written for Patch.com, the Milwaukee Business Journal, Milwaukee Magazine and the Kenosha News.