Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines. If you have Original Medicare Original Medicare, also known as Traditional Medicare, is the fee-for-service health insurance program offered through the federal government, which pays providers directly for the services you receive. Almost all doctors and hospitals in the U.S. accept Original Medicare. , you will owe no cost-sharing Cost-sharing is the portion of medical care costs that you pay yourself, such as a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible, if you have health insurance coverage. See also: Out-of-Pocket Costs. (deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance) if you see a provider See Health Care Provider. who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, Medicare Private Health Plan, or Medicare Managed Care Plan, allows you to get Medicare coverage from a private health plan that contracts with the federal government. All Medicare Advantage Plans must offer at least the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), but can do so with different rules, costs, and coverage restrictions. Plans typically offer Part D drug coverage as part of Medicare Advantage benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and Medicare Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs). Plan, you should also owe no cost-sharing if you see an in-network In-network means part of a private health plan’s network of providers. If you use doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, and durable medical equipment suppliers that are in your Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan’s network, you will generally pay less than if you go to out-of-network providers. provider.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, and speak with your doctor if you have any questions.
Be aware of fraud schemes related to the vaccine. Do not share your Medicare number with anyone except for trusted health care providers. Be wary of people who ask for your financial information. You cannot pay to get earlier access to the vaccine, and the vaccine should not cost you anything. Contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) if you suspect you have experienced Medicare fraud Medicare fraud occurs when someone knowingly deceives Medicare to receive payment when they should not, or to receive higher payment than they should. See also: Marketing Violations. .