Does Medicare cover vaccines?

As of January 1, 2023, co-payments or deductibles for any of the vaccinations recommended by ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) were eliminated for those with Medicare Part D. This is a significant change, because vaccines covered under Medicare Part B have been handled differently than those under Part D.

Part B vaccines have had and will continue to have no out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries. These include influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines, vaccines for pneumococcal infections, and, for people at risk of contracting the disease, Hepatitis B shots.

Part D-covered vaccines, on the other hand, have generally had copayments or deductible costs that had to be paid by the insured. Now, those vaccines will also be available at no charge when prescribed. This category includes Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and Shingrix (for prevention of shingles). In addition, those with special risk factors are eligible for no cost vaccination  against Hepatitis A, varicella, meningococcal A, C, Y; meningococcal B, and haemophilus influenzae type b.

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1. What is Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period?
2. How and when do I enroll in Medicare?
3. How does Medicare work with employer based insurance?
4. Am I covered by Medicare if my spouse or I is employed?
5. When can I switch my Medicare plan?
6. Does Medicare Cover COVID-19 Costs?
7. Do I need Medicare Part D?
8. Does Medicare cover vaccines?
9. What if one or more of my drugs is no longer covered by my Medicare drug plan?
10. What happens if you lose your Employer Group Health Plan when you are eligible for Medicare?
11. What's new for 2023?
12. When are the Medicare General Enrollment Period and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
13. How do I avoid Medicare scams?
14. What are 5-Star plans and when can I enroll?
15. How can I get help paying for Medicare Part B and Part D?
16. What are the different parts of Medicare?
17. How do I update my contact information if I'm moving?
18. Can I change my Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan anytime?
19. How do I create a Medicare account?