An annual flu shot is typically free with Medicare Part B, depending on where you get the shot. If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you have to check your plan details to find out what’s covered.
Medicare covers routine preventive care, including annual screenings and recommended immunizations. The
People 65 years old and older can get a preferred flu shot that has greater benefits than the standard dose.
Flu shots are typically free if you have Medicare, but you may have an out-of-pocket cost depending on where you get your flu shot.
If you have Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare covers the cost of an annual flu shot.
Medicare should fully cover the cost if you receive your flu shot at a healthcare facility that “accepts assignment.” This phrase means that a facility accepts what Medicare pays for the service as the full cost of that service.
If the healthcare professional giving your flu shot does not accept assignment, you may be responsible for any excess charges of up to 15% of Medicare’s approved cost.
If a healthcare professional has opted out of Medicare, you may need to pay the full price up front and seek reimbursement from Medicare for the Medicare-approved amount. Before making an appointment, it’s best to check your plan details and make sure a healthcare professional is in-network.
Medicare Part B (medical coverage) covers preventive and wellness care, including flu shots.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it should cover the services that Original Medicare covers. However, depending on your plan, you may have coverage only if you get your flu shot at a specific in-network facility.
Medicare Part B covers the cost of certain recommended vaccines, including those for the following conditions:
Medicare Part B does not cover all recommended vaccines. It may cover certain medically necessary vaccines in an emergency, such as the tetanus shot.
You need a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to receive coverage for
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover prescription drugs. You can check your specific plan to find out which vaccines and drugs it covers.
Medicare covers some vaccines, including the flu shot, as part of preventive and wellness care.
If you get your flu shot at a healthcare facility that “accepts assignment,” you will not have to pay out of pocket for a flu shot.
Before making an appointment, it’s best to check with the healthcare professional or facility to be sure they accept the amount that Medicare pays as the full amount for a flu shot. If they do, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket.