Medicare covers most recommended vaccines, and since 2023 the Inflation Reduction Act eliminated cost-sharing for all Part D vaccines, meaning you pay $0 for covered vaccines regardless of whether you have met your deductible. The key is knowing which part of Medicare covers each vaccine.
Part B vs. Part D Vaccine Coverage
| Vaccine | Covered Under | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
Flu (influenza) | Part B | $0 |
COVID-19 | Part B | $0 |
Pneumococcal (pneumonia) | Part B | $0 |
Hepatitis B (medium/high risk) | Part B | $0 |
Shingles (Shingrix) | Part D | $0 (since 2023) |
Tdap / Td (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) | Part D | $0 (since 2023) |
RSV (Abrysvo/mResvia) | Part D | $0 (since 2023) |
Hepatitis A | Part D | $0 (since 2023) |
All Part D Vaccines Are Now $0
As of January 1, 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act requires Medicare Part D plans to cover all ACIP-recommended vaccines at $0 cost-sharing. This includes shingles, Tdap, RSV, and others that previously had out-of-pocket costs.
Where to Get Vaccines
Part B vaccines (flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal) can be administered by any Medicare-enrolled provider, including pharmacies. Part D vaccines are typically obtained at in-network pharmacies. If your doctor administers a Part D vaccine in their office, it may still be billed through Part D, so confirm with your pharmacy or plan beforehand to avoid billing confusion.
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