With the #COVID19 pandemic continuing into 2022⁠; here are some helpful tips on how Medicare covers vaccines:⁠

Medicare Part B:

Medicare Part B covers preventative services- and there are 5 vaccines that fall under that category:

• Influenza – Medicare covers one Flu Vaccine Annually
• Pneumonia -Medicare covers this when you have two penumococcal shots at least one year apart
• Hepatitis B -Covered as a one time vaccine given in 2-to-4 shots over a 6 month time span
• COVID-19 -This is currently evolving, but right now Medicare covers Pfizer COVID 19 vaccines as it is FDA Approved.
• COVID-19 Booster- Medicare will cover the booster shot for Moderna and Pfizer after six months of the 2nd dose.
• Other vaccines are covered if necessary. An example would be: if you doctor for a dog bite, Part B would cover a Rabies Vaccination shot.

You should not have any out-of-pocket expenses for the vaccines mentioned above as long as your doctor or pharmacy you visit accepts Original Medicare. If you have a Medigap plan to pair with Medicare, your Medigap plan will pay secondary after Medicare pays its share first for any Medicare-approved service.

Medicare Part D:

Also, Medicare Part D, which covers medications- must cover at least one Shingles Vaccine, although, you may have to pay into your Part D Deductible first. Part B DOES NOT cover Shingles shots, and they can be quite pricey if you have a $480 Part D Deductible. They can be around $200-300 a shot.

Medicare Advantage Plans:

With a Medicare Advantage plan, you sign away your Medicare Primary coverage, which is Medicare part A and B, to a private insurance company that will offer you a managed plan where you have a set of networks for Doctors, Specialists, and hospitals.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan with Drug Coverage, or a MAPD, it must cover all the same benefits that Original Medicare would cover with vaccines. Check the Summary of Benefits and Drug Formulary for extra vaccines that may be covered under the drug plan coverage. Most plans cover:

• Shingles
• Influenza
• Pneumonia
• Tetanus
• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles

Do you have more questions? Feel free to schedule a free 30 minute Medicare Plan Review with us at 239-990-9075. We can make sure your vaccines are covered and answer any questions you may have regarding Medicare Coverage.