Yes. Medicare covers FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. So far, these include the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. Both of these vaccines require two doses.
If you only have Medicare Part A, you will not have to pay for the vaccine but may have to pay an administration fee that the pharmacy charges to give you the shot. Your provider or pharmacy may not charge this fee, but you can check with them to be certain.
COVID-19 vaccine administration fees to Medicare are $16.94 for the first dose and $28.39 for the second (final) dose. These rates may vary by geographic location.
You pay nothing for the vaccine if you have Part B or are in a Medicare Advantage plan. Your provider or pharmacy will bill Medicare for the vaccination, so bring your Medicare card to show the provider during your visit. That means you pay no copay toward deductibles and no administration fee since this is paid by Medicare.
Even if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to show the provider or pharmacy your red, white, and blue Medicare card so they can bill Medicare instead of your plan.
When filling out your form to get the vaccine, leave the group number field blank or put N/A if you have Part B.
Be wary of scammers trying to steal your Medicare number. They may try to tempt you by saying you can pay to put your name on a list to receive the vaccine. This is false. You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine. Do not give your information to anyone who contacts you about getting the vaccine for a fee.
When Can You Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Your state is distributing the vaccine to priority groups. Each state has developed its own plan as to who gets the vaccine and when. You can contact your local health department for more information on COVID-19 vaccines in your area.
Louisiana is distributing the vaccine at more than 300 pharmacies. You need an appointment to get the vaccine. Across the country, long-term care residents and staff, health care workers, emergency medical services employees, firefighters, and residents, staff, and students at medical schools have been able to receive the vaccine.
The state regularly updates its list of residents able to get the vaccine at the Louisiana Health Department website, as well as information about where they can get the vaccine. Persons 65 and older can receive the vaccine as well as the following groups, according to the state health department website:
- Dialysis providers and patients
- Ambulatory and outpatient providers and staff
- Professional home care providers and home care recipients
- American Sign Language (ASL) and foreign language interpreters and Support Service Providers (SSPs) working in clinic-based settings, and clients who are deaf and blind
- Health-related support personnel
- Schools of allied health students, residents, and staff
- Law enforcement and other first responders
- Louisiana Unified Command Group
- State and local essential COVID emergency response personnel
- Some election staff ahead of March election
Need Help? Contact Us
At The Fussell Group Insurance Advisors, we won’t stop until we find the right insurance plan for you. To speak with one of our professionals, call us at (877) 874-0711 or email office@fgiala.com.