Influenza, also called the flu, is a virus that can cause fever and other symptoms. Flu shots can help prevent seasonal influenza.
Eligibility
Medicare Part B Part B, also known as medical insurance, is the part of Medicare that covers most medically necessary doctors’ services, preventive care, hospital outpatient care, durable medical equipment (DME), laboratory tests, x-rays, mental health services, and some home health care and ambulance services. covers one flu shot every flu season.
The flu season usually runs from November through April. Depending on when you choose to get your flu shot, Medicare may cover a flu shot twice in one calendar year. For example, if you get a shot in January 2025 for the 2024/2025 flu season, you could get another shot in October 2025 for the 2025/2026 flu season.
Costs
If you qualify, 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. covers flu shots at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount when you receive the service from a participating provider. This means you pay nothing (no deductible or coinsurance). 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). Plans are required to cover flu shots without applying deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance when 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 and meet Medicare’s eligibility requirements for the service.