Medicare Reminder - Vaccines

 

Medicare covers some vaccines and immunizations, some under Part B and some under Part D.

Medicare health coverage (Part B) will cover vaccines to prevent:

• Influenza 
• Pneumonia; and
• Hepatitis B (for those at medium to high risk).

Part B will cover other immunizations only if one has been exposed to a disease or condition. For example, Medicare will cover a tetanus shot if a member steps on a rusty nail; Medicare will cover rabies shots if a member is bitten by a dog. 

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) may cover other types of vaccines, such as the vaccine for shingles (herpes zoster). Before getting a vaccination, members should check coverage rules with their Part D plan and see where it will be covered at the lowest cost.

Learn more about Medicare coverage of vaccines and immunizations at  www.medicareinteractive.org. 

-From “ A Call to Preserve Medicare”, Medicare Watch, Medicare Rights Center, July 14, 2011

 

 

7/11