Does Medicare Pay for Flu Shots?
For most people, Medicare will pay the full cost for one yearly flu shot.
If your doctor tells you to get more than one flu shot, Medicare will cover the cost for the other shots. If you have Medicare Part B, you can get a free flu shot anywhere that accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you have to get a shot at a doctor's office, pharmacy or other medical office in your plan's network.
Does Medicare cover flu shots?
Type of Medicare | Flu shot coverage |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part A | |
| Medicare Part B | |
| Medicare Advantage | |
| Medicare Supplement | |
| Medicare Part D |
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Does Original Medicare pay for flu shots?
Medicare Part B, which is part of Original Medicare, covers the cost of one flu shot each flu season.
Medicare will also cover extra shots if your doctor says you need them for medical reasons. If you have Original Medicare — Part A and Part B — you can get your shot from any doctor, pharmacist or medical office that takes Medicare.
If you're over 65 like most people on Medicare, you can get a preferred flu shot, which might help protect you better. Talk to your doctor about which flu shot is best for you. Medicare covers three different preferred flu shots:
- Fluad Quadrivalent
- Flublok Quadrivalent
- Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent
If your doctor or pharmacist doesn't have any of these shots, or if you're on Medicare but under 65, you can get a regular flu shot instead.
Does Medicare Advantage cover flu shots?
Medicare Advantage plans cover one flu shot per season, just like Original Medicare.
You can also get more than one shot if your doctor recommends it.
Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans require you to go to certain medical offices. You might have to use a doctor, pharmacist or other medical office that your plan approves if you want a free flu shot.
If you have an HMO plan, you have to get your flu shot at an in-network office. If you have a PPO plan, you might be able to get a free flu shot no matter what doctor you go to. But it's always a good idea to check with your plan to make sure.
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Do Medigap or Part D plans cover flu shots?
Because Original Medicare fully covers the cost of a flu shot, Medigap plans don't pay for anything. Medigap plans, also called Medicare Supplement plans, only pay for the costs that are left over after Original Medicare pays.
Medicare Part D plans don't cover annual flu shots either. That's because Medicare Part B, which is part of Original Medicare, already pays the full cost for a flu shot each year.
Facts about the flu and flu vaccines
Treating the flu can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, while the flu shot is free.
It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect, so get your shot early.
It’s safe to get the flu vaccine along with others, like the COVID-19 vaccine.
The flu tends to be worse in seniors. A flu shot helps lower your risk.
The flu shot is the best way to avoid complications from a serious case of the flu.
When should I get a flu shot?
Most people should get the flu shot in September or October, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Remember that it takes two weeks for the vaccine to start protecting you from the flu. If you know you'll have a family gathering, be traveling or otherwise have a higher risk of getting sick during the fall, it might make sense to get the flu shot at least two weeks before your plans start.
Flu vaccine safety
- You can't get the flu from the flu vaccine.
- The flu vaccine does not cause autism.
You may have muscle aches and a fever for a few days after you get the flu shot. This doesn't mean you're sick. It's likely a side effect of your body producing antibodies to keep you from getting the flu.
Frequently asked questions
Are flu shots free if you have Medicare?
Yes, Medicare pays for the full cost of one flu shot each flu season. If your doctor says you need more than one shot, Medicare will pay for additional shots too.
What section of Medicare covers the flu shot?
Medicare Part B covers flu shots. Part B covers medical costs outside of the hospital. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your Part B coverage is included within your plan.
Where can I get a flu shot if I have Medicare?
If you just have Medicare Parts A and B, called Original Medicare, you can get your flu shot anywhere that takes Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, talk to your insurance company to find out what medical offices you can go to.
Sources
Info about flu shot coverage is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Medicare.gov. Info about the cost to treat flu patients is from the National Library of Medicine. Other flu info is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mayo Clinic.
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