How your Medicare vaccines are covered this flu season

Runny noses and itchy throats. Coughs and fevers. Orange juice and daytime TV. Flu season is right around the corner, leaving us clamoring to store shelves for everything from chicken noodle soup to over the counter medications. Everyone that is, except the seniors who know the ins and outs of Medicare’s vaccine coverage.

New vaccine coverage for 2023

Lack of vaccine coverage for those over 65 is virtually a thing of the past. With the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, many vaccines are free of charge to you this year with Medicare. To be more precise, any adult vaccine recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Comes at no cost to you.

These include the most talked about vaccines for seniors: COVID-19, flu, pneumococcal, shingles, RSV, hepatitis A and B, and Tdap (protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis or whooping cough). A full list of all the covered vaccines can be found on the CDC website.

Part B or D? Why not both!

But, notice we didn’t say which part of Medicare is going to cover your vaccines. That can be more tricky. Some, like the COVID and flu vaccine, are covered through Part B. Even the Hep B vaccine can be available to beneficiaries who are considered medium or high risk.

Part B makes up half of Original Medicare, the other half being the (usually) premium-free Part A. If you receive any of the aforementioned vaccines through your Part B coverage, keep in mind that it will not count towards your deductible.

If Medicare Advantage is the coverage of choice for you, be aware you might be charged an administration fee for the actual process of getting the shot itself, which is estimated to be about $40. Don’t huff though: you can be reimbursed by contacting your plan.

Other vaccines are covered through Part D. Those are shingles, RSV, Tdap, and Hep A. Remember, Part D is the optional prescription drug program managed by private carriers but regulated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Where can I get one?

Vaccines can be administered at a variety of places from drugstores to doctor’s offices. If that’s not in the cards, vaccines.gov can help locate the best place to get a dose.

What if I am not covered by Medicare yet?

Contact the Action Benefits Insurance Agency and talk to an agent. One of the knowledgeable, friendly staff will help you find the best fit for you. We can help whether you’re about to turn 65 and are brand new to the Medicare space, or if you already have a plan in place and are looking to switch.