Receiving the flu vaccination can result in significant savings from avoiding hospitalization. However, a number of people don't receive the vaccination every year. Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that vaccination rates vary depending on insurance type.

Children who are Medicaid beneficiaries are less likely to be vaccinated for the flu in comparison to those who have family health insurance or private health coverage, according to the researchers. However, the team predicts more patients may receive the shot if doctors are reimbursed at a higher rate from Medicaid.

Study author and assistant professor Dr. Byung-Kwang Yoo says a doctor's compensation for treating Medicaid beneficiaries varies from each state.

"In most states the reimbursement from Medicaid is far below the actual cost," says Yoo. "The may create an obvious disincentive when physician's offices lose money every time they give a flu shot, even though vaccines are provided for free."

The number of people receiving health insurance from government programs like Medicaid and Medicare is likely to increase in the future under the Affordable Care Act, which plans to broaden the requirements to qualify for the plan.