Medicare covers FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines

Your Costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing for this vaccine if you have Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) or you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Be sure to bring your Medicare card so your health care provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare.

If you have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) only, you pay nothing for this vaccine, but some providers or pharmacies may still charge an administration fee for giving you the shot. Check with the provider or pharmacy who gives you the vaccine to see if they charge this fee.

What it is

A COVID-19 vaccine helps reduce the risk of illness from COVID-19 by working with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop protection (immunity) to the virus.

Things to know

  • Be sure to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card so your health care provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare. You’ll need your Medicare card even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • If you fill out a form to get the vaccine, you may be asked for your insurer’s group number. If you have Part B, leave this field blank or write “N/A.” If you have trouble with the form, talk with your vaccine provider.
  • Medicare also covers COVID-19 tests, COVID-19 antibody tests, and COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are distributing the vaccine to federally and state-approved locations to start the vaccination of priority groups. Each state has its own plan for deciding who they’ll vaccinate first and how residents can get vaccines. Contact your local health department for more information on COVID-19 vaccines in your area. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine progress. 

Be alert for scammers trying to steal your Medicare Number. Medicare covers the vaccine at no cost to you, so if anyone asks you for your Medicare Number to get early access to the vaccine, you can bet it’s a scam. 

Here’s what to know:

  • You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine. 
  • You can’t pay to get early access to a vaccine. 
  • Don’t share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising access to the vaccine for a fee. 

Source: Medicare.gov