Does Medicare Part B Cover The Shingles Vaccine

How To Get A Shingrix Discount Without Medicare

There are a few different ways to receive a discount on the Shingrix vaccine. SingleCares prescription discount card provides instant savings on many prescription drugs, including Shingrix. Medicare recipients cannot use SingleCare and Medicare coverage together, but they can choose to use whichever offers a better deal for them. For those who dont have a Medicare plan that covers Shingrix, SingleCare can provide a discount.

GSK, the manufacturer of Shingrix, offers apatient assistance program for those who dont have insurance coverage. However, there are income guidelines and other eligibility requirements in order to qualify. Those who are enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan may still be eligible for the program if their income falls below a certain threshold and theyve spent at least $600 on prescription medications through their plan during the current calendar year.

Lastly, you may qualify for financial assistance through a Medicare program called Extra Help. Extra Help can help Part D consumers lower their Medicare-related costs.

Who Should Not Get The Shingles Vaccine

The vaccine may not be appropriate for people who have a weakened immune system due to certain conditions. These people include those with an organ transplant and those who are undergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer.

Doctors also recommend that people with an allergy to any component of the vaccine the shingles vaccination.

Anyone with severe allergies must tell a doctor about them when discussing their shingles risk. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding or currently have shingles symptoms should not get the shot.

Does Medicare Advantage Cover The Shingles Vaccine

Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance plans that are approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same services as Medicare Part A and Part B, but they can also offer additional benefits. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover the shingles shot, but it is not required. It is important to talk to your insurance broker or insurer to find out whether your Medicare Advantage plan will cover the vaccine.

You May Like: Should I Get Shingles Vaccine If I Already Had Shingles

Medicare & Shingles Shot Or Shingrix

Being covered by Medicare has many advantages because it helps you reduce the costs of many supplies and, thus, save money.

However, does it cover the shingles shot? Read to find out.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It affects the skin, causing a rash, and sometimes it leads to nerve pain. People who had chickenpox have a higher chance of developing shingles.

While the virus may reappear anytime in people of many ages, people over 50 are the most likely to be affected by it.

Shingles starts off as a pain and itching on a specific spot of the skin. After a few days, the rash becomes visible and it looks similar to chickenpox. An episode of shingles usually lasts about 2-4 weeks.

Even if shingles is not contagious, the virus can spread to someone who has not had chickenpox. The person doesnt contact shingles, but chickenpox. The virus can spread by making contact with the fluid from the blisters. Also, its good to know that chickenpox has a higher contagiousness than shingles.

Does Medicare Cover the Shingles Shot?

Sadly, the answer to this question is no, unless you have a prescription plan.

The shingles shot is not be covered by Medicare Part A or Part B. Unlike other vaccines, it can only be covered by Medicare prescription drug plans . Thus, you have to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone Part D drug plan to cover the costs.

Vaccines Covered By Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D covers all commercially available vaccines needed to prevent illness. You can get Part D coverage through a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Vaccines covered by Part D include the following:

• Shingles vaccine: One-time vaccine given in two shots over two to six months
• Tdap vaccine : One shot if youve never been vaccinated, and a booster every ten years
• Other vaccines covered: Vaccines that are “reasonable and necessary” to prevent illness and are not covered by Part B

Part D may also cover vaccines you may need if you are traveling internationally. Talk with your doctor about your travel plans and ask what vaccines are recommended.

Read Also: How Long Can Shingles Last

Prescription Drug Coverage And Shingles Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs such as famciclovir, valacyclovir, and acyclovir. These drugs can help the rash heal more quickly and reduce the chance youll suffer serious side effects. If your pain is severe, your doctor may also write you a prescription for pain medications.

Medicare prescription plans typically cover both antiviral and pain medications, though the specifics will depend on your plan. You may have to pay a deductible or copay.

Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy Steps

We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today

Your doctor may also suggest over-the-counter remedies such as lidocaine patches and Tylenol. Prescription plans dont cover over-the-counter medications, even if your doctor recommends them.

Go Through A State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program

Medicare Part D plans have a yearly deductible. After you reach your Medicare Part D plans deductible, you will still be required to pay a copayment or coinsurance for your shingles vaccine. However, if you go through a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program , you may be able to get help with these costs.

Read Also: When Did The Shingles Vaccination Come Out

Do I Have To Pay For Vaccines With Medicare

You pay nothing for vaccines covered by Part B flu, pneumonia and Hepatitis B as long as your provider accepts Medicare.

Your cost for vaccines covered by Part D will depend on your specific plan. You may pay a copay or coinsurance, but it will depend on your plan and the provider.

The location where you get vaccinated may also affect your cost. For example, your costs may be lower if you get a vaccine at a pharmacy versus in a doctors office.

Why Do You Need The Shingles Vaccine

In a word: pain. Shingles commonly appears as a rash, usually across one side of your chest, abdomen or face. What starts as itching or tingling becomes an extremely painful band of blisters. These usually scab over in seven to 10 days and clear up in two to four weeks.4

Shingles is most common among people over the age of 50, so the Centers for Disease Controls recommends the vaccine for anyone over that age.

People with a weak immune system are at even higher risk. Your immunity may be weakened if you:5

• Are under extreme stress.

Shingles must be active, meaning in the blister phase, to be contagious. You cannot transmit the virus before the blisters appear, nor once they crust over.6 Even if the virus is active, the risk of spreading VZV is low if you keep the shingles rash covered.7

Don’t Miss: What Can You Put On Shingles Rash

How Does Medicare Cover The Shingles Vaccine

Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, does not cover the shingles vaccination but Medicare Part D does. To get this covered, you must enroll in either a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage . You may have a copayment for the shingles vaccine.

What Are The Complications Of Shingles

The most common and lasting complication of shingles is nerve pain, whats called postherpetic neuralgia , which can last for months or even years, long after the rash has cleared up. According to the CDC, between 10% and 18% of people whove had shingles will develop PHN.

PHN is a stabbing or throbbing pain or weakness where the shingles rash had been. The risk increases with age and the pain lasts longer and is more severe than in younger people.8

In rare cases, shingles can develop into pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness and brain inflammation.9 Only 1% to 4% of people with shingles are hospitalized for complications, though these are typically older adults and people whose immune systems are weak or suppressed, and fewer than 100 people die from shingles each year.10

Also Check: How To Lessen Shingles Pain

How Much You Might Still Have To Pay

According to Consumer Reports, the shingles vaccine costs around $217 at full price, but the average cost for people with Medicare Part D is $50 for each shot. Some plans have a higher copay, while some plans charge less or even $0.

Before you go to the pharmacy to get vaccinated, call them to find out the current price of the vaccine, and call your insurer to confirm that they will cover it. To get the lowest copay, make sure the pharmacy is in your insurers network.

You can also ask your doctor about getting vaccinated at the doctors office, but make sure to ask them how much they charge for the vaccination and if they can bill your insurer.

Some doctors may charge more for the vaccine than your insurer will cover, and some may expect you to pay out of pocket and be reimbursed later. If your doctor cant bill your insurer, then ask them to write you a prescription for an in-network pharmacy instead.

Does Medicare Cover Shingrix

While Original Medicare Medicare Part A and Part B does not cover the cost of the shingles vaccine, or Shingrix , you can purchase private plans Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plans that do cover the cost.

It is important to note that even if your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan covers the shingles shot, you may have a copayment or other out-of-pocket costs to pay. Check with your plan for particular details.

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover all commercially available vaccinations, except for those already covered under Original Medicare. But these plans will pay only if the vaccinations are considered reasonable and necessary to prevent illness.

Vaccines Covered by Medicare Part D Plans

• Vaccines related to treatment of an injury or exposure to a disease or condition

You May Like: How Far Apart Should Shingles Vaccines Be

Does Medicare Cover The Shingles Vaccine In 2022

En español | No and yes. Medicares Part A and Part B dont cover shingles vaccinations, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 50 and older get the vaccine. Medicare Part B covers some other vaccines as free preventive care, such as the flu and pneumonia vaccines.

With that said, Medicare Part D covers the shingles vaccine, as do private Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage. These plans must cover all commercially available vaccines needed to prevent illness, except for those that Part B covers.

In the United States, about 1 in every 3 people are at risk for shingles or herpes zoster, the same virus strain that causes chicken pox. If youve had chicken pox, the virus stays dormant in your system and may reappear as shingles later in life, which is why the vaccine is recommended.

Does Medicare Advantage Cover A Shingles Vaccine

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage, then the shingles vaccine will be covered. If you dont have prescription coverage, youll have to pay for the vaccine yourself.

As with traditional Medicare, the cost of the vaccine can vary by plan. Youll save money by getting your vaccine from a pharmacy in your plans network.

Read Also: How Far Apart For Shingles Vaccine

How Does Medicare Provide Coverage For The Shingles Vaccine

Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans that provide prescription drug coverage generally cover all commercially available vaccinations. These plans will cover the vaccination medication and the administration of the shot by your doctor or physician. Depending on your plan benefits, you may have to pay a copayment or coinsurance amount. Make sure to follow your planâs guidelines for this vaccination to be covered.

You will pay the least amount of money out of pocket if you are vaccinated at a pharmacy in your drug planâs network. A summary of ways you can pay for your shingles vaccine include:

Medicare

• Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine. There may be a copay, or you may need to pay the full amount and get reimbursed for some of the cost.
• Original Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine.

Medicaid

• To learn if your Medicaid coverage pays for the Shingles vaccine, please contact your Medicaid insurer.

Private health insurance

• Private health insurance plans cover the vaccine, but there may be some costs depending on your plan.

Vaccine assistance programs

• Some pharmaceutical companies provide vaccines to those who are eligible and unable to afford costs. C with the vaccine manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, about if Shingrix is covered by these programs.

What To Know About Medicare And Shingles Vaccine Coverage

• How to Get Help Paying For The Shingles Shot

• Vaccinations are an important part of both public and individual health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends various types of vaccines for people throughout their lifetimes, including the tetanus shot and shingles vaccine.

• While Original Medicare does not cover the shingles vaccine, Medicare Part D, Medicares prescription drug coverage, covers all commercially available shots, including the shingles shot.

• Medicare Advantage plans may have different coverage options for vaccines. Individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan should confirm vaccination coverage with their insurance company.

Vaccinations are a vital component of keeping both individuals and communities safe and healthy. Medicare covers some vaccines. These include the flu shot, hepatitis B shot, pneumococcal shots, and COVID-19 vaccines.

There are a variety of vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage children and adults to receive throughout their lifetime to prevent disease. One of these vaccinations is the shingles shot.

The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for healthy adults over the age of 50. While Original Medicare does not cover the shingles vaccine, Medicare Part D does cover the shingles vaccine. This article will explain everything Medicare beneficiaries need to know about Medicare and vaccine coverage, specifically in regards to the shingles vaccination.

Also Check: Is It Ok To Shingle Over Old Shingles

Who Needs The Shingles Vaccine

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the shingles vaccine for people aged 50 and older. It is a manufactured inactivated vaccine intended to prevent shingles. The vaccine is administered in two separate doses given by intramuscular injection, separated by two to six months.

The shingles vaccine is considered an important vaccine for seniors because our immune system weakens as we age. The recommendation for vaccination is based on the potential severity of symptoms and long-term complications.

A shingles vaccine called Zostavax is no longer used in the U.S. as of November 2020. If you received that vaccine, the CDC recommends talking with your doctor about getting the Shingrix vaccine.

Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles, but it does not prevent chickenpox.

Does Medicare Cover Shingles Shots At Pharmacies

Always check with your insurance company, but getting your shingles shot at a doctors office may not be covered the same as if you get it at a pharmacy. Because its a Part D service, shots given at pharmacies are applied directly to your Part D plan just like other prescription drug costs. Does Medicare pay for shingles shot if a doctor gives it? Probably, but you may need to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement.

This website is operated by GoHealth, LLC., a licensed health insurance company. The website and its contents are for informational and educational purposes helping people understand Medicare in a simple way. The purpose of this website is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by a licensed insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Our mission is to help every American get better health insurance and save money. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Don’t Miss: 30 Year Owens Corning Shingles

Medicare Part B: Vaccine Coverage

Medicare Part B provides preventive coverage only for certain vaccines. These include:

• Influenza: once per flu season
• Hepatitis B: for persons at intermediate- to high-risk

Administration services for these preventive vaccines are reported to Medicare using HCPCS codes as follows:

• G0008 administration of influenza virus vaccine
• G0009 administration of pneumococcal vaccine
• G0010 administration of Hepatitis B vaccine

The diagnosis code to report with these preventive vaccines is:

• Z23 Encounter for immunization

Other immunizations are covered under Medicare Part B only if they are directly related to the treatment of an injury or direct exposure Coverage of other vaccines provided as a preventive service may be covered under a patient’s Part D coverage.

What Is Postherpetic Neuralgia

Shingrix is the only means to get protection from shingles, as well as its most common complication, postherpetic neuralgia . PHN is long-term nerve pain after becoming ill with shingles. PHN occurs in parts of the body where the shingles rash was present. This nerve pain can interfere with daily activities and be debilitating. PHN is most common in older adults rarely do adults under the age of 40 experience PHN.

Two doses of Shingrix are more than 90% effective at preventing shingles, as well as PHN. This protection from two doses will stay above 85% for at least the first four years after receiving the Shingrix vaccination.

Recommended Reading: Does Shingles Pain Get Worse At Night