Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine under Part B with no out-of-pocket cost. The number of shots you’ll need depends on whether you’re getting it for the first time or as a booster shot.
Although the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is five years past, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate. Moreover, older adults continue to be at the
To reduce your risk, you may be planning to get your annual COVID-19 vaccine in the fall along with your flu shot. Medicare will cover your booster shot, and here’s what you need to know.
Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine, whether you’re getting a booster shot or this is your first time being vaccinated against COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine falls under Part B coverage, along with those for flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B. Part D covers other vaccines recommended by the
Even if you’re insured under a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare (Parts A and B), your plan should provide the same coverage.
Note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends waiting three months to be vaccinated if you recently contracted COVID-19.
When you’re ready, you can choose between the three available COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax.
If you are over 65 or you’re a younger older adult with certain preexisting conditions getting vaccinated for the first time, you can get a 3-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a 2-dose series of Novavax.
If you need a booster shot, you can get 2-3 doses, depending on how many doses you received before. The amount you need is listed on the
Learn more: Medicare and Vaccines.
With Medicare, you should be able to get vaccinated free of charge. You don’t need a doctor’s approval or supervision to get vaccinated, and Medicare can’t charge you any additional fees.
While you won’t have any out-of-pocket costs for the vaccines themselves, you will have to reach your Part B 2024 $240 deductible, and you have to pay your monthly premium of $174.70.
With Medicare Advantage, plans and costs vary based on your location. A Medigap plan may also help you pay for some of the standing Part B costs.
Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (Part C) offer coverage for a variety of COVID-19 vaccinations, tests, and treatments.
If you are hospitalized with COVID-19 or you receive testing and treatment during an inpatient stay at a hospital or skilled nursing facility, Part A will cover the costs.
Part B covers outpatient diagnostic testing and monoclonal antibody treatments and products, and Part D covers other prescription drugs. Part C will provide the same coverage as Parts A and D, and some plans also include Part D.
Learn more: Medicare and COVID-19.
Medicare covers the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine under Part B, with no additional expenses on your end. The number of doses you need depends on whether you are receiving it for the first time or as a booster shot.
Medicare also covers many of the health services that you may need if you become ill with COVID-19. Examples include but aren’t limited to treatment, doctors’ visits, and hospitalization.