Does Medicare Part A Cover COVID Vaccine?
Navigate Medicare's role in COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Understand which part covers it and how to receive your vaccination at no cost.
Medicare provides health coverage for millions of older adults and individuals with certain disabilities across the United States. Its various parts help manage healthcare expenses and support beneficiaries’ health. Vaccinations are important for public health, especially for infectious diseases like COVID-19. Understanding how Medicare covers these preventative measures helps beneficiaries access necessary protection.
Medicare Part A and COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage
Medicare Part A, commonly known as Hospital Insurance, primarily covers inpatient care in hospitals, including critical access hospitals, and stays in skilled nursing facilities. It also provides coverage for hospice care and some home healthcare services. Part A covers services received during an inpatient stay, such as room and board and medical supplies.
However, Medicare Part A does not cover the COVID-19 vaccine or its administration. Vaccinations are generally considered outpatient services or preventive care, which fall outside the scope of Part A’s inpatient coverage. Part A does not extend to routine immunizations like the COVID-19 vaccine. Beneficiaries seeking COVID-19 vaccination will find coverage under a different part of Medicare.
Medicare Part B and Vaccine Coverage
The COVID-19 vaccine and its administration are covered under Medicare Part B, which is Medical Insurance. This part of Medicare helps pay for doctor visits, outpatient care, and many preventive services. Medicare Part B covers all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, including primary series and booster shots.
Beneficiaries pay nothing for the COVID-19 vaccine or its administration. There are no copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance charged for this service. This applies whether an individual has Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, ensuring the vaccine remains free at the point of service.
Accessing Your COVID-19 Vaccine
Medicare beneficiaries can receive their COVID-19 vaccine at various convenient locations. These include doctor’s offices, local pharmacies, community health centers, and designated vaccination sites. It is advisable to check with the specific provider or pharmacy beforehand to confirm availability and scheduling.
When getting vaccinated, beneficiaries should bring their red, white, and blue Medicare card. If enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, beneficiaries should bring their plan’s card instead. This ensures the provider can properly bill Medicare for the service.