Humana Medicare Advantage Flu Shot

Available Part D Prescription Drug Plans

While many of Humanas Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D drug coverage, the company also sells stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans. These plans, which are meant to accompany Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, don’t provide medical coverage.

Humana offers three stand-alone prescription drug plans in 2022, with monthly premiums that range from $22.70 to $86.20.

• Humana Walmart Value Rx Plan: Average monthly premium of $22.77, costs as low as $0 copay and $0 deductible on Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs, and access to a wide network of pharmacies, including Walmart.

• Humana Premier Rx Plan: Average monthly premium of $76.65, costs as low as $0 copay and $0 deductible on Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs, and a broad network of pharmacies.

• Humana Basic Rx Plan: Average monthly premium of $35.60, prescription deductible of $480 on all tiers. This plan is aimed at members who qualify for Extra Help, who may be able to get the full cost of premiums covered. Extra Help is a Medicare program that offers assistance to people with limited income and resources.

Humana offers three stand-alone prescription drug plans in 2021, with average monthly premiums that range from $17.20 to $72.50:

Flu Vaccines Protect You

Have you had a flu shot? Most kids have and there’s good reason. Like all vaccines , this one can protect you from a pretty awful illness the flu.

The flu is caused by a virus . The flu vaccine helps your body get ready to defend itself against that virus in case it tries to invade your body.

There are 2 types of flu vaccines:

• a shot, given with a needle
• a spray mist, given into the nose

For the 20212022 flu season, both types seem to work well. You should get whatever type of vaccine your doctor suggests. Some kids can’t get the spray mist, such as those with weak immune systems or some medical conditions like asthma.

Which Vaccines Does Medicare Cover

Medicare covers most vaccines. Some are covered by Part B, and some are covered by Part D.

Getting the vaccines you need is one of the most important things you can do for your health and for the health of those around you. Vaccines are your first line of defense against a number of infectious diseases. If you dont get sick, then you cant infect your loved ones, your friends or others in your community.

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Do You Need A Flu Shot This Year

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , people over the age of 65 are at a very high risk of developing dangerous complications from the flu.1 If you are over 65 years old and/or have autoimmune issues , getting your Medicare-covered flu vaccine is your best defense at protecting you from the flu or lessening the effects of it.

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots

Medicare Part B, one of the two parts of Original Medicare, covers 100% of the costs of seasonal flu shots once a year during the fall or winter. The Part B deductible does not apply to this service, so Medicare covers the shot as long as you are eligible for and enrolled in Original Medicare. As long as your doctor or healthcare provider accepts Medicare assignment, flu shots are fully covered. Providers may not charge you more than the Medicare approved amount. If you receive the shot from a provider that does not accept assignment, then you may be responsible for additional fees for the doctors services but not for the shot itself.

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What Are The Possible Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccines come in two forms, a shot and a nasal spray:

• The flu shot usually is injected into the upper arm or thigh, depending on a person’s age. It contains killed flu virus. It can cause soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Rarely, it might cause a low fever or body aches.
• The nasal spray flu vaccine contains weakened live flu viruses. So it may cause mild flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, wheezing, sore throat, vomiting, or tiredness. Like the shot, it can sometimes cause a low fever or body aches.

Both vaccine types cause the body to make antibodies to fight off infection by the live flu virus, and they work equally well. This flu season , get whichever vaccine your doctor recommends. People with weak immune systems or some health conditions and pregnant women should not get the nasal spray vaccine.

The flu vaccine is very good at protecting against the flu, but it’s not 100%. And it only works against some types of the virus. If a new flu type appears, a person who’s had the vaccine may not be protected against it.

A few people who get the vaccine might get the flu. But the illness will be much milder and go away sooner than if they weren’t vaccinated.

Why Is Getting Your Flu Shot So Important

It is important to get your annual flu shot for many reasons. First and foremost is that the flu vaccine can help prevent you from getting the flu. Second, according to the CDC, vaccinated people are less likely to go to the doctor for the flu2 and also have a reduced risk of hospitalization with the fluby 33% in adults age 65 and older.3 The flu shot can also help protect or reduce the effect of flu symptoms in people with chronic health issues related to heart disease,2 as well as people who have diabetes.3

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Too Late For The Flu Vaccine

Flu viruses usually cause the most illness during the colder months of the year. In the United States, flu season is from October to May. Most cases happen from late December to early March.

It’s best to get the flu vaccine early in flu season, ideally by the end of October. That way, the body has time to make antibodies that protect it from the flu.

What if you aren’t vaccinated by then? Getting the vaccine later is better than not getting it at all. It’s still flu season well into spring. Even then it’s not too late for you and your family to get the flu vaccine. Many health care providers give flu vaccines through May if the flu virus is still circulating.

Getting a missed flu vaccine late in the season is especially important for people who travel. That’s because the flu can be active around the globe from April to September.

When Should People Get The Flu Vaccine

Flu viruses usually cause the most illness during the colder months of the year. In the United States, flu season is from October to May.

It’s best to get the flu vaccine early in flu season, ideally by the end of October. This gives the body a chance to make antibodies that protect it from the flu. But getting a flu vaccine later in the season is better than not getting it at all. Getting a missed flu vaccine late in the season is especially important for people who travel. That’s because the flu can be active around the globe from April to September.

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I’m Pregnant Should I Get A Flu Shot

I just found out that I’m 6 weeks pregnant. Do I need to get the flu vaccine or will it affect my pregnancy? Eliza*

Health experts recommend the flu vaccine for anyone who:

• is pregnant
• is thinking about getting pregnant
• recently gave birth
• is breastfeeding during flu season

Pregnancy leads to changes in the body. The immune system becomes a bit weaker. That makes it easier for pregnant women to catch any bug that’s going around. And changes in how the heart and lungs work during pregnancy make it more likely that the flu will turn into a more serious problem, like pneumonia.

Studies have shown that the flu shot is safe during pregnancy. The flu vaccine also is available as a nasal spray, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women.

If you get flu-like symptoms before or after you’ve been vaccinated, call your doctor right away. Pregnant women who catch the flu may need to take antiviral medicine to lower the chances of developing other health problems.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

Humana Medicare Advantage Service Area

Humana offers Medicare Advantage plans in 47 states and Puerto Rico, and Medicare prescription drug plans in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Humana Medicare Advantage plans are available in 85% of U.S. counties the most of any provider.

For the 2022 plan year, Humana expanded its HMO offerings into 115 new counties and introduced local PPO plans in 162 new counties. The company also expanded D-SNPs into 268 new counties .

Overall, Humana is the second-largest health insurer among for-profit health plans . Nearly 4.9 million Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan.

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When Should A Person Get Vaccinated

Flu viruses usually cause the most illness during the colder months of the year. In the United States, flu season is from October to May.

The best time to get a flu vaccine is before flu season starts. Getting it as soon as it’s available, usually around September, gives the body time to build immunity. Your mom or dad can find out about vaccine availability from your doctor’s office, or you can ask your school nurse.

Even if you can’t get vaccinated right away, getting it later is better than not getting it at all. It’s still flu season in January or February even then it’s not too late for you to get the flu vaccine. And getting a flu vaccine late in the season is especially important for people who travel. That’s because the flu can be active around the globe from April to September.

Does Medicare Cover Pneumonia Shots

Medicare Part B typically covers pneumonia shots, which help prevent certain types of pneumonia.

Medicare Advantage plans also cover pneumonia shots. Many Medicare Advantage plans also cover prescription drugs and other benefits that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover.

Medicare typically covers 100 percent of the Medicare-approved amount of your pneumococcal vaccine .

Before getting your pneumonia shot, verify with your doctor that it is 100 percent covered by Medicare.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends PPSV23 pneumococcal vaccinations for all adults who are 65 years of age or older.

There are currently two pneumococcal vaccines that have been approved for use for the prevention of pneumonia. Both vaccines are covered under Medicare Part B however, the order in which you receive them matters. Talk to your health care provider to learn more.

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Find Cheap Medicare Plans In Your Area

Medicare covers the full cost of yearly flu shots. To get the shot for free, be sure to use a provider that accepts your plan’s payment, whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. You must use a plan provider if you have a Medicare Advantage HMO, but PPO members are covered for both in-network and out-of-network flu shots.

If a second flu season breaks out in the same calendar year, your doctor may recommend you get a second shot. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover a second vaccine if your doctor approves it.

Since the flu vaccine is free with Medicare, the main difference between plans is where you can get the shot. You won’t be charged for the shot as long as you use a provider covered by your plan.

• Important flu facts

Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Babies younger than 6 months can’t get the vaccine. But if their parents, other caregivers, and older kids in the household get it, that will help protect the baby. This is important because infants are more at risk for serious problems from the flu.

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Which Shots Are Covered By Original Medicare

Original Medicare consists of two coverage areas: Part A and Part B. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, and Part B covers certain doctors services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Part B pays for the flu and pneumonia vaccines, as well as the hepatitis B vaccine for those at increased risk of hepatitis. Medicare Part B also covers vaccines given to treat an injury or direct exposure to a disease or condition, such as rabies and tetanus.

If you have original Medicare you can add drug coverage by joining a Medicare drug plan . Part D plans cover the cost of prescription drugs and many recommended vaccines.

How Is The Flu Vaccine Given

• Kids younger than 9 years old who get the flu vaccine for the first time or who’ve had only 1 dose of the vaccine before July 2021 will get 2 doses at least 1 month apart.
• Kids younger than 9 who got at least 2 doses of flu vaccine before July 2021 will only need 1 dose.
• Kids older than 9 need only 1 dose of the vaccine.

Talk to your doctor about how many doses your child needs.

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Humana Group Medicare Advantage Base Plan

State Health Plan Medicare retirees have several options for health plan coverage. One of these options is the Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO Base Plan *, which includes Medicare prescription drug coverage.

* The Humana Group Medicare Advantage Plans have a benefit value equivalent to a 90/10 plan.

Below are resources for members enrolled in the Humana Base Plan.

Which Vaccines Should Older Adults Get And When

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established a vaccination schedule for adults over 65. Other factors such as medical conditions and your history may affect these recommendations. Check with your doctor about which vaccines youll need.

A typical vaccine schedule for older adults breaks down like this:

Shingles vaccine: The CDC recommends you get two doses of the shingles vaccine Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart. If you received a different shingles vaccine called Zostavax in the past, you still need the Shingrix vaccine. Zostavax is no longer in use in the United States.

Pneumococcal vaccine: The CDC recommends a single shot of the pneumonia vaccine to those who need it. People with certain chronic medical conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease, may need one or two additional shots.

Flu vaccine: The flu shot is usually available in early fall, before flu season starts. Every year adults 65 and older should get the flu shot, not a nasal spray vaccine. The CDC also recommends older adults receive the high-dose quadrivalent flu vaccine.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis : The CDC recommends adults 65 and older should receive the Tdap vaccine if theyve never had it before, followed by a booster every 10 years. If you need the shot as part of wound management , one dose is recommended.

If youre over 65 and have additional risk factors, you may also need these vaccines:

• Hepatitis A

• Meningococcal A, C, W, Y

• Varicella

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Find Out How Medicare Pays For Flu Shots

Medicare is defined in 4 parts: A, B, C and D. The combinations of Medicare Parts A and B is known as the Original Medicare program. Medicare Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. Whether youre enrolled in the Original Medicare program or a Medicare Advantage plan, know that your flu shot is covered by Medicare.* The information below provides details about how Medicare covers the flu vaccine depending on the type of Medicare program youre enrolled in.

*The cost of the shot may be affected if the provider is out of your network.

Enrolled in an Original Medicare plan? Discover how your flu shot is covered.

Original Medicare is commonly known as traditional Medicare and is made up of 2 parts: Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B . This program is offered by the federal government and provides members with a flu shot without a deductible or copay. The flu vaccine must be given by a physician, pharmacist or healthcare provider who accepts Medicare. This means the healthcare provider has agreed to provide this service and accept payment from the Medicare program/plan at a set rate. It is best to call ahead to find out if Medicare pays for flu shots at your pharmacy.

Got a Medicare Advantage plan? Find out how your flu shot is covered.

Do I Need The Shingles Vaccine And How Much Does It Cost

The CDC recommends adults 50 years and older should get two doses of the shingles vaccine. Shingles is a viral infection that can cause several symptoms, including:

• Nerve pain

• Pneumonia

• Other serious symptoms

Two doses of Shingrix will protect you against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia , the most common shingles complication. PHN affects your nerve fibers and skin, leading to burning pain that persists after other symptoms of shingles, such as the rash and blisters, have gone away.

Studies suggest Shingrix was between 91% and 97% effective in preventing shingles after two shots, depending on your age. Since your risk of acquiring shingles and PHN increases as you get older, strong protection against shingles after 50 is important.

Most Medicare Part D cover the shingles shots, as well as Medicare Advantage plans with built-in Part D coverage. Depending on your plan, you may have to pay toward your deductible, a copay, or pay out-of-pocket and get reimbursed later.

If you havent met your plans deductible for the year, youll have to pay full price for the vaccines. If you have to pay upfront, the average retail cost of is about $200 per dose. You need two doses of Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart.

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