Medicare Part D now covers all adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at no cost to beneficiaries. This significant improvement took effect January 1, 2023, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Previously, Medicare vaccine coverage was confusing and inconsistent. While Part B covered flu, pneumococcal, COVID-19, and hepatitis B vaccines for high-risk individuals at no charge during doctor visits, other important vaccines fell under Part D with varying costs. For instance, the shingles vaccine could cost beneficiaries over $400 out of pocket, and Part B only covered 80 percent of tetanus and rabies vaccines for wounds and bites.
Today, all Medicare Part D plans must cover recommended adult vaccines without charging copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. This includes shingles, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and meningococcal vaccines. Beneficiaries can receive these vaccines at pharmacies and other locations that participate in their Part D plan network.