For reprint by the GWAAR Legal Services Team
Vaccines play an important role in preventing illness. However, knowing if and when Medicare pays for vaccines can be confusing. Most vaccines that your doctor recommends will be covered by your Medicare prescription drug plan. Medicare prescription drug plans are required to cover the most commercially available vaccines. The only exceptions are vaccines for flu, pneumonia, hepatitis B, and COVID-19, which are covered by Part B.
See the table below for vaccines, Medicare coverage, and coverage rules.
Beginning in 2023, Medicare covers all recommended vaccines with no cost-sharing for beneficiaries. If you have Original Medicare, you will not pay any out-of-pocket costs for vaccines covered by Part B if your provider accepts assignment. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover Part B vaccines without applying deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance if you meet the criteria for coverage and see an in-network provider. For vaccines covered by your Medicare prescription drug plan, check with your plan for information about how the plan covers vaccines and where you must receive the vaccine.
