Does Medical Insurance Cover Flu Shots

Medicare Coverage And Payment

Medicare covers initial pneumococcal vaccine and different, second pneumococcal vaccine one year after the first is administered, effective February 2, 2015. See Modifications to Medicare Part B Coverage of Pneumococcal Vaccinationspdf iconexternal icon.

Medicare Part B will pay for the following vaccines:

• Influenza vaccine

Who Should Get A Flu Shot

The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot for all adults and children 6 months of age and olderunless you’ve had a severe, life-threatening reaction to a flu shot in the past, which is rare. Talk with your doctor about whether the flu shot is safe for you if you’ve had a severe reaction in the past or are allergic to eggs.

While everyone should get a yearly flu vaccine, it’s especially important if you’re 65 or older because you’re in the age group with the greatest risk for serious complications. Your risk is further increased if you have certain medical conditions, including:

• Asthma or COPD

Find A Flu Shot Location Near You

If you have a UnitedHealthcare health plan, you can get a flu shot at more than 50,000 locations.

Enter your ZIP code and select a pharmacy in your area, then select Find my flu shot to see results within a 20-mile radius from the center of your ZIP code.

Please note: If you’re using a screen reader, please select Participating pharmacies, then select a pharmacy to find a location near you.

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What’s The Best Way To Protect Yourself From The Flu

Video transcript

Its important to get the flu shot every year. The flu shot protects you against the flu virus.

It can help you prevent a hospitalization or complications of actually getting the flu.

It is very easy to find a local pharmacy or your providers office. Its offered in multiple, multiple locations.

Not only that, its also covered at 100% in most plans.

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots

• How to Enroll in Medicare Plans for Flu Shot Coverage

Millions of people fall ill with the flu every year, and seniors age 65 and older are at higher risk of developing serious complications from it than young, healthy adults. For this reason, many older adults take important preventative steps like getting an annual flu shot. Its best to get your flu shot by the end of October, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . If you miss that deadline, aim to get it as soon as you can.

Given that many seniors are covered by Medicarethe federal health insurance program for older U.S. adults, available starting at age 65a common question this time of year is: Does Medicare cover flu shots?

Heres what to know about how much you can expect to pay.

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Do Medicare Advantage And Medicare Supplement Plans Cover The Flu Shot

Medicare Advantage plans, which are often referred to as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies and typically include Part D, or prescription drug coverage. These plans provide a way to get additional Medicare benefits based on your individual needs.

Medicare Advantage plans cover 100% of the Medicare-approved amount for an annual flu shot, says Christian Worstell, a North Carolina-based licensed insurance agent. Plus, he notes, Medicare beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage plan typically wont have to pay a coinsurance or copayment for the flu shot. Thats true as long as you visit a doctor who accepts Medicare and the terms of your Medicare Advantage plan, he says.

Meanwhile, Medicare Supplemental plansalso known as Medigap plansare designed to fill in the gaps of Original Medicare and provide you with supplementary coverage you might need. Since Original Medicare already covers the flu shot, you dont need to use a Medigap plan to help pay for it.

How To Enroll In Medicare Plans For Flu Shot Coverage

Medicares annual open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Most people enroll in Medicare when they first become eligible at age 65. If youre already collecting social security benefits, its likely that youre already automatically enrolled in Original Medicare therefore, theres no need for you to sign up for anything.

If youre not collecting social security benefits, you have to enroll yourself, which you can do within the three months before and after the month you turn 65. If you miss this window and dont qualify for an exception, youll likely have to wait for Medicares next enrollment period or pay a late enrollment penalty.

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Which Medicare Services Cover Flu Shots

Flu shots are covered under Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, so long as your provider or pharmacy is one that accepts Medicare payment.

Because Medicare Advantage plans must offer at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, your Medicare Advantage plan also covers flu shots once a flu season. Private health plans may not require that you get a referral to receive the flu shot, but they may require that you receive the shot within your plans network of providers. Like Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans cover the full cost of the flu shot. Overall out-of-pocket costs such as premiums and deductibles may vary for these plans, but the deductible does not apply in this situation, if the plan has one.

Is Vaccine Coverage Worse In The 12 States That Haven’t Expanded Their Medicaid Programs Than In Those That Have

Although it may seem that there could be less adult vaccine coverage in states that havent expanded Medicaid, that isnt the case. In fact, all of these states offer some vaccine coverage. Compared to the states that have expanded Medicaid, they dont fall behind due to the variation that still exists in those states.

For context, here are the 12 states that havent expanded Medicaid:

• Alabama

• Wisconsin

• Wyoming

To give you a better idea of the variation among these non-expanded states, here are a few examples of the vaccine coverage they offer for adults:

• Alabama Medicaid covers five of the recommended adult vaccines .

• Mississippi Medicaid covers all 13 recommended vaccines.

• Wyoming Medicaid provides flu shots for all adult members, but other vaccine coverage will depend on the plan you have.

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Does Insurance Cover Flu Shots

An annual flu shot could mean the difference between a few days in bed and a trip to the hospital. The COVID-19 pandemic has created some confusion around administering both vaccines and flu shots, but experts predict that COVID-19 and the flu combined will cause significant disruption to the healthcare sector this year. To combat this, the CDC has pledged $140 million to support COVID-19 immunization programs for those covered by insurance, as well as those who arent. But what about the flu? Does insurance cover flu shots? The answer is not a straightforward one. If youre wondering does my insurance cover the flu shot?, heres what you need to know.

More Ways You Can Help Protect Yourself Against The Flu

After you get your flu shot, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from the flu and from COVID-19. That means frequent hand-washing, wearing a cloth mask and keeping a safe distance when youre in public spaces. Here are more ways you can help protect yourself and your community:

If youre feeling sick, stay home

Wash your hands throughout the day, especially after youve been in a public place or if you sneeze or cough

Avoid close contact with others and maintain a physical distance from others when youre in public spaces

Wear a cloth mask to cover your mouth and nose when youre around others. This helps protect others in case you may be infected

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, like doorknobs, tables, countertops, phones and more

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The Flu Vaccine Helps Protect You And Your Family From The Flu

Millions of people get influenza every year. While it may be common, seasonal flu is a potentially serious disease. It can lead to hospitalization and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .1 Thats why its recommended to get a flu vaccine every year to help protect yourself and your family.2 The flu vaccine can help:

• Weaken or prevent the flu
• Reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 percent to 60 percent during seasons when the flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses1

Does Health Insurance Cover Flu Shots

A flu shot covered by insurance largely depends on your insurance plan. Flu shot insurance may provide you with a subsidized shot, but keep in mind there may be copays to consider. If you dont have an insurance plan that covers the annual flu shot, how much is the flu shot without insurance? While costs differ nationwide and between providers, the average cost of a high-dose flu shot is $70. Lets answer the question does my insurance cover flu shots? and how the answer may change depending on your insurance plan.

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Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots And Other Vaccines

Medicare Part B, sometimes called “medical insurance,” covers a number of preventive services and treatments including many of the shots and vaccines discussed here.

Specifically, Medicare Part B pays for flu, pneumococcal and Hepatitis B shots.

Before you head to your doctor to get one, though, consider the following:

• For most people, one pneumococcal vaccine at age 65 protects them for a lifetime. Some people are at high risk for pneumonia, however, and so need a booster vaccine. Thankfully, Medicare also covers booster vaccines for high-risk enrollees if they’re given at least one year after the first shot.
• Medicare only pays for Hepatitis B vaccinations if you’re considered to be at high risk for the disease. Your Hepatitis B risk rises if you have diabetes, End-Stage Renal Disease or hemophilia. It also rises if you live with someone who has Hepatitis B, or if you’re a healthcare worker or you’re in frequent contact with blood or bodily fluids.
• You’ll likely pay nothing for any of these shots if the doctor or other healthcare provider who gives them accepts the assignment. If they don’t, you may have to pay some or all of the cost.

You also may have to pay all or some of the cost of these shots if your physician or provider suggests you have them done more frequently than Medicare recommends or covers.

Free Flu Shots Through Clinics Community Organizations And Public Health Departments

Many health departments and free clinics offer low-cost or free flu shots across the U.S. Here are a few examples:

• Most colleges offer free flu shots for their students. Check on your schools website to confirm.

• Military veterans enrolled in health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can get a flu shot at their nearest VA health care facility. This program does not apply to family members of veterans.

• Many county health departments offer free, or discounted, flu vaccinations during flu season. Examples include:

• The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in partnership with select LA County Libraries, will offer free flu shots through November.

• The San Francisco Health Department offers convenient locations for members of the public to easily access free or low-cost flu vaccines.

• The Houston Health Department offers flu shots to uninsured and underinsured people on a sliding scale that ranges from free to $15.

Cant find a location near you on this list? Watch for announcements on your local news station or in your local newspaper or search online for free flu shots in your area or through your citys health department.

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Cdc Shingles Vaccine Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Shingrix vaccination for anyone 50 years and older, even if you have already had shingles, if you had another type of shingles vaccine, and if you dont know whether or not youve had chickenpox in the past.

You should not get the vaccine if you are allergic to any of the components, are pregnant or breastfeeding, currently have shingles, or you have lab tests that definitively show that you do not have antibodies against the varicella-zoster virus. In that case, you may be better off getting the varicella vaccine instead.

Does A Person With Medicare Get Flu Shots For Free

If a person has Medicare Part B, a Medicare Advantage plan, or private health insurance, they can get a flu shot for free.

The Affordable Care Act requires that insurance companies cover the cost of the flu shot. Plus, under the ACA, insurers cannot charge a copayment, per the Department of Health & Human Services.

A person should check with the site providing the shot to make sure they accept assignment from Medicare or accept Medicare Advantage. People with private insurance should check their plan to make sure they can get the shot from a particular location for free.

Some insurance plans cover the shot only if a person receives it from their doctor. Other plans provide coverage if the shot comes from certain other locations as well.

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How Much Does The Flu Shot Cost

If you have Original Medicare coverage, the flu shot will cost you $0.

If youre wondering where you can get the flu shot, the answer is lots of places, including your doctors office or a local pharmacy. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact the plan provider to find out where exactly you can go for your flu shot. Most places accept Medicare Advantage plans, according to medicare.gov.

Do Employer Health Plans Cover Flu Shots And Other Vaccines

Most health insurance plans you get through an employer should cover flu shots and other vaccines, too. That said, the ACA doesn’t require all of them to do so.

For instance, especially large companies don’t have to meet the ACA’s requirements. Most do it anyway, though, so expect coverage you get through a large employer to pay for any vaccines or immunizations you might need.

Grandfathered health plans also don’t have to meet the ACA’s requirements. These plans existed before the ACA became law. To maintain their grandfathered status, the insurers that back these plans can’t make significant changes to their coverage.

On a related note, any health plans that fall under the ACA’s guidelines also must cover Hepatitis B screenings. But they don’t have to cover them for everyone.

The ACA only requires plans to cover Hepatitis B screenings for high-risk individuals. That includes people from certain countries and certain U.S.-born people not vaccinated as infants.

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Who Should Get The Flu Shot

The CDC recommends that anyone over the age of six months should get a flu shot.

Some people have a higher risk for developing flu-related complications. If you have chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease you should make getting the flu shot a high priority. The same is true for people who are 65 and older.

How Much Do Vaccines And Shots Cost With Insurance

Without health insurance, shots and vaccines are paid out-of-pocket. This means something like the shingles vaccine could cost you around $200 if you are uninsured.

With insurance, many preventive shots are covered, although you are still responsible for any copay or deductible your health plan has. The cost of vaccines and shots depends on two factors: the type of shot or vaccine, and your insurance coverage.

For Blue Cross Blue Shield plans offered by CareFirst, vaccinations are completely free. You will pay no out-of-pocket copayment or coinsurance, and you will not have to pay toward your deductible.

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What Can I Do If My Plan Doesnt Cover My Flu Shot

If the answer to the question, is the flu shot covered by insurance? is no, there are other avenues you can explore. One option is to contact your states health department. During the winter months, it is not uncommon for programs to offer free or discounted flu vaccines. However, this largely depends on which state you reside in and their commitment to public vaccination programs.

Alternatively, look up your nearest Federally funded health center. The majority of these locations provide affordable vaccines to those who cannot afford a flu shot and those who arent covered by health insurance.

Seasonal Flu Coverage And Benefits

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and well-being is to get an annual flu shot. Each year thousands of people are hospitalized because of complications from the flu. Thats why we encourage all our members to get their yearly flu vaccination.

Most Independence Blue Cross members with prescription drug coverage will pay $0 for a flu shot at an in-network pharmacy or provider.¹ Members will not need a referral, precertification, or preapproval to get their seasonal flu vaccine.

Whether in or outside of our service area, members should be able to receive a flu shot from in-network providers without having to pay upfront or submit a form for reimbursement.

Find an in-network provider

To find an in-network pharmacy or provider near you, log in at ibx.com.

Please note: For members who have 100 percent coverage for services in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, no cost-share should be applied for the vaccine and administration of the vaccine when it is administered by an in-network provider.

Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plan. Individual benefits must be verified.

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