Medicare covers the cost of being vaccinated against COVID-19 for all FDA-authorized vaccines. You will not owe a copay or deductible, and you cannot be charged for being vaccinated against this deadly virus. If you have not yet been vaccinated, or you were charged to get the injections, your provider may have delivered other services or may have made an error by charging you for the vaccine.
How to Get the Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines are being delivered in your area, and if you have not yet been vaccinated, you can find where to get it with your computer, phone, or tablet online. Local pharmacies are administering the COVID-19 vaccines, including Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. All of these vaccines have been found to be highly effective in reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19 and reducing the risk of suffering the serious health risks that were so prevalent before the vaccine rollout. You can call your local pharmacy to schedule your vaccination.
How Much Does the COVID-19 Vaccination Cost?
The good news is that these vaccinations are free to everyone in the country, including all persons on any Medicare plan or with no health insurance at all. If you were charged for getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you need to check to see if you were billed for other services delivered in the same appointment. If your doctor charged you for the vaccine, it is an error that your doctor must correct.
Medicare and COVID-19: Protection for Older Adults
Medicare covers more than just the vaccination against COVID-19. The range of support includes:
- Lab tests for COVID-19
- Antibody tests for COVID-19
- Monoclonal antibody treatments (Injections of antibodies for those who have contracted COVID-19 and are at risk)
- Medically necessary hospitalization associated with COVID-19 (you will still owe the standard deductibles, copays, or coinsurances under your plan)
- Telehealth appointments
- If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (rather than Original Medicare), you are eligible for expanded benefits; however, each Medicare Advantage plan is different, so check with your provider
Medicare Scams: Be Alert
If any person asks you for your Medicare number, you may be talking to a person who is engaged in a Medicare scam. You cannot be asked to pay to gain access to a certain vaccine, and if anyone asks you for your Medicare number, hang up at once. Unfortunately, some criminal elements are taking advantage of people during this health emergency, and it is important to stay alert.
Do I Need a Medicare Plan for the Vaccine?
The US government has made the COVID-19 vaccine available to everyone, no matter their age, health insurance, or immigration status. The vaccines protect both your health and the community. Medicare provides many benefits. If you have not yet signed up for Medicare and need guidance, one of our local agents can help you. The process can be very confusing, and it could be critical that you get help from a professional, so make the best decision for yourself and your budget.
