Are you aware that Medicare can cover the cost of essential vaccines for older adults? Vaccines are crucial to maintaining your health, and fully understanding your Medicare coverage can save you money and peace of mind. This guide will cover the differences between Medicare Part B and Part D vaccine coverage, how to access fully covered vaccines, and the importance of preventive services for reducing health care costs. Additionally, we will answer the question: does Medicare cover vaccines?
Key Takeaways
Medicare Part B covers vital vaccines such as COVID-19, flu, hepatitis B and pneumonia while Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for other recommended vaccines.
Beneficiaries may access fully covered vaccines through in-network pharmacies or providers with guidance from a doctor or plan provider.
Medicare offers preventive services including vaccinations to reduce health care costs by early detection and prevention of illnesses.
Medicare Coverage for Vaccines: Part B vs. Part D
Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for various vaccines. Medicare Part B provides coverage for flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccines. On the other hand, Medicare Part D offers coverage for other recommended vaccines, including those under a Medicare Advantage Plan.
As of January 1st, 2023, out-of-pocket costs for all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)-recommended vaccines have been removed for individuals with Medicare Part D. Whether you need protection from the flu or other essential vaccines, Medicare’s plan ensures your health.
Part B Covered Vaccines
Medicare Part B covers the following vaccines:
COVID-19
Flu
Hepatitis B
Pneumonia
The flu vaccine is vital during the flu season and can shield you from severe illness. Preventing pneumococcal disease, which can be potentially hazardous for older adults, is possible with the pneumonia vaccine.
The hepatitis B vaccine offers preventive benefits for individuals at medium or high risk for the virus. Medicare Part B’s coverage for these critical vaccines ensures your health maintenance without financial burden.
Part D Covered Vaccines
Medicare Part D covers vaccines not included in Part B coverage, such as shingles. Starting in 2023, Medicare recipients will enjoy full coverage for Tdap and shingles vaccines, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. This means that out-of-pocket expenses for these vaccines will be eliminated, making it easier for you to stay protected against potentially severe illnesses.
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage, which includes most commercially available vaccines necessary for preventing illness, such as the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine. Medicare Part D covers these vaccines, aiding in your health maintenance while reducing financial stress.
How to Access Fully Covered Vaccines
For fully covered vaccines, seek advice from your doctor or Part D plan provider. They can guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the appropriate vaccines for your age and risk factors. Additionally, utilize in-network pharmacies or providers to maximize your coverage and minimize any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Shingles Vaccine and Medicare Coverage
The Shingrix shingles vaccine is highly recommended for adults aged 50 and above, and the good news is that it’s fully covered by Medicare. Shingles is a painful condition caused by the same virus that leads to chickenpox, and the vaccine can help protect you from this debilitating illness. Covering the shingles vaccine is Medicare’s proactive measure to safeguard your health and well-being.
Recommended Vaccines for Older Adults
The CDC recommends several vaccines for adults aged 50 and above, including:
Influenza vaccine
Shingles vaccine
Tdap vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine
In addition, individuals aged 65 and older should also receive the pneumococcal vaccine. These vaccines are instrumental in shielding you from severe illnesses, impacting your health and life quality significantly.
The ACIP Adult Immunization Schedule recommends further
vaccines for older adults who have additional risk factors or other health needs. These include:
Hepatitis A
Varicella
Meningococcal A, C, W, Y (MenACWY)
Meningococcal B (MenB)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
These vaccines covered may also be included under a Medicare Advantage Plan, ensuring that you have access to the protection you need.
For personalized vaccine recommendations, consider using the Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool that furnishes a customized list of vaccine suggestions, inclusive of the COVID-19 vaccine. This tool can help guide you in making informed decisions about your health and the necessary vaccinations.
Travel-Related and Other Unique Vaccines
While Medicare Part D typically does not cover travel-related vaccines, such as yellow fever or typhoid vaccines, it may cover other unique vaccines depending on the plan and provider’s prescription drug coverage. For instance, the shingles vaccine is one such distinctive vaccine that Medicare Part D could potentially cover. Consider discussing with your Medicare plan provider to ascertain the coverage of travel-related or unique vaccines under your specific plan.
Understanding your Medicare coverage helps you prepare well for any future travel or specific health needs, ensuring protection against potential illnesses during travels with the right Medicare cover.
Tips for Reducing Health Care Costs with Preventive Services
Preventive services like vaccines, screenings, and counseling hold the potential to cut down health care costs significantly by early detection and prevention of illnesses and conditions, making them more manageable and cost-effective. Medicare Part B offers coverage for a range of preventive services, including vaccines, screenings, and counseling that Medicare covers. Additionally, Medicare Part D provides coverage for certain vaccines.
The CDC advocates that older adults receive specific vaccines, such as the flu, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines, to help maintain their overall health and reduce the risk of severe illness. Leveraging these preventive services for disease control helps you stay healthy and curtail your health care costs.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding your Medicare vaccine coverage is 
crucial for maintaining your health and reducing health care costs. Between Medicare Part B and Part D, you have access to a wide range of essential vaccines that can help protect you against severe illnesses. Make sure to consult with your doctor or Medicare plan provider to determine the appropriate vaccines for your age, risk factors, and health needs. Stay informed and take advantage of preventive services to ensure a healthy and fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines will Medicare pay for in 2023?
Medicare will cover the flu, pneumococcal, COVID-19, hepatitis B, Tdap and shingles vaccines at no cost to beneficiaries.
What injections are covered under Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B covers flu, pneumonia and Hepatitis B shots for free, and may also cover other vaccines related to the treatment of injury or illness. Part D coverage usually does not require payment for vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Does Medicare cover hepatitis A and B vaccine?
Yes, Medicare covers both hepatitis A and B vaccines. Under Part D, you may need to pay a copayment for the Hepatitis A vaccine, while Part B will cover the cost of the Hepatitis B shot.
Is Shingrix covered by Medicare Part B or D?
Shingrix is covered by Medicare Part D prescription medication coverage, meaning you’ll be able to get the Shingrix vaccine for a $0 copay with an eligible plan. Original Medicare (Part A or B) does not provide coverage for the shingles vaccine.
How can I access fully covered vaccines through Medicare?
Consult with your doctor or Part D plan provider and utilize in-network pharmacies or providers to access fully covered vaccines through Medicare.
Matthew Claassen
Matthew Claassen, CMT and CEO of Medigap Seminars Insurance Agency. Medigap Seminars is an award winning premier national Medicare Insurance Brokerage, ranked among the top in the U.S.A. Matthew is considered a leading national expert on Medicare and Social Security. Mr. Claassen is a distinguished member of the Forbes Business council, an invitation only organization of business leaders and entrepreneurs. He and his team have received awards from many of the countries largest insurance companies including Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, United American, United Healthcare and others. His videos have become the most popular Medicare educational videos on YouTube with millions of views. As a financial analyst Matthew lead a team of researchers to win the 2009 Best Equity Research & Strategy Award from The Technical analysis magazine.
