“Yes, Medicare covers a wide range of vaccines at no cost to you, thanks to recent legislation. Medicare Part B covers specific vaccines like the flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and certain hepatitis B vaccines. Medicare Part D covers most other adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), including shingles and RSV vaccines. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 eliminated cost-sharing for these ACIP-recommended vaccines, ensuring you pay nothing out of pocket. “
I have (Colorado) medicare United Health Care MA and it will be covered. I just got approval from my doctor (because of a clinical trial I’m in) and Safeway says it will be covered. I’ve never had an issue with any vaccine being covered.
Or Covid shots for everyone. Depending on how you read what they decided. Anyone can get one, but they want you to consult with a health care provider. Who that is is not defined. What ever it was they voted on today was clear as mud. As is murky. But they did not say you could not get the shot. Not even close.
Not recommended doesn’t mean the vaccine is not going to be available to anyone, of course. But the implications could include limited availability in some states, even to those who want it. Add the wishy-washy language, and it creates even more confusion.
“ COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility : The Washington State Department of Health has issued a standing order authorizing healthcare providers to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to all persons aged 6 months and older, including pregnant individuals. In the state of Washington, you simply bring a digital or printed copy of the standing order to a local pharmacy.”
People who do not have a primary care physician may find that do be a barrier to “shared decision making”. Even those with a primary care physician may find that to be an added step to getting the vaccine, as well as an added task for primary care physicians to handle patients’ questions about COVID-19 vaccine. If a prescription is needed, that is another step for patients and task for primary care physicians.
ATLANTA — A federal vaccine advisory panel unanimously voted Friday on a more restrictive approach to coronavirus vaccines by recommending that everyone consult a clinician before getting a shot. The shift creates a complication for Americans who for years were able to get a free shot without having to justify it.
So what does “in consultation with” a provider mean? I had a physical this past week and my NP certainly supports me getting a COVID shot and we talked about which one they have on hand. I have no record of this conversation? Are we supposed to get a note?
At my annual well person check the PCP strongly recommended I get the Hep B series…A three shot series. The office was out of product. I was assured it was covered by Medicare. Trotted of to Walgreens. Um no can do..they only give it to ppl 64 and under because they administer a two shot series. I would need to get prescription from the PCP and an exception to the Walgreens rule.
Found that curious…
Stopped at Costco. Asked. Um..no problemo! We give those shots all the time to those 64 and over. They THINK it’s covered by Medicare. IF not it’s somewhere between $79 -$90 OOP for each of the three shots.
Why do I mention this here…Because apparently vaccines are not straight forward - even outside the COVID particular issues. And also, I find it rather odd that posters on this site wrangle with the cost of a $200 (or in the vicinity) cost of a vaccine. It’s less than a dinner for two these days - and that’s if you stay with the cheap house wine.
