Yes, Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to you

Medicare Part B covers all COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You pay nothing out of pocket — no copay, no coinsurance, no deductible. This applies whether you get the vaccine at a doctor's office, pharmacy, hospital, or community health center.

The vaccine itself is free because of federal law. Medicare is required to cover it without cost-sharing. The only exception is if you choose to pay for an administration fee at certain locations, but most places do not charge one.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers all FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines with zero out-of-pocket cost to you.
  • You do not need to meet your deductible or pay a copay for the vaccine dose itself.
  • The vaccine is available at pharmacies, doctor's offices, hospitals, and community health centers — you can choose where to go.
  • If you have Original Medicare, you are covered; if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage is the same.
  • You can get updated vaccines (boosters) as they become available, also at no cost.

Where you can get the vaccine for free

You can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at most pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. You can also go to your primary care doctor's office, a hospital, a federally may have access to health center, or a local health department clinic. Call ahead if you want to confirm they have the vaccine in stock and what hours they operate.

Some locations may ask for your Medicare card when you arrive. Bring it with you. If you do not have your card, bring your Social Security number and date of birth so the pharmacy or clinic can look up your information.

What happens if you have a Medicare Advantage plan

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your coverage is the same. The vaccine is still free. Your plan cannot charge you a copay or coinsurance for the COVID-19 vaccine dose. Federal law requires all Medicare plans to cover it without cost-sharing.

You may need to use a provider in your plan's network, depending on your specific plan. Call your plan to ask which pharmacies and clinics are in network, or check your plan's website. If you go out of network, you may have to pay, so it is worth checking first.

Booster shots and updated vaccines

As new COVID-19 vaccines and boosters become available, Medicare covers them at no cost. You do not have to wait for a specific time period or meet any other condition — if your doctor or a public health authority recommends it, you can get it. The same zero-cost rule applies.

Vaccine recommendations change over time based on new variants and research. Check with your doctor or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to see what the current recommendation is for your age and health status.

What to bring when you go

Bring your Medicare card if you have it. If you do not have your card with you, bring a photo ID and your Social Security number. The pharmacy or clinic will use this information to confirm your Medicare coverage and process the vaccine at no cost to you.

You do not need a referral from your doctor. You can walk into most pharmacies and community health centers without an appointment, though some locations ask you to schedule ahead. Call first if you want to be sure they can see you right away.

If you have questions about your specific coverage

If you have Original Medicare and want to confirm your coverage, you can call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). They can answer questions about your specific situation.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and want to know whether a specific pharmacy or clinic is in your network, call the customer service number on the back of your plan card. They can tell you which locations are covered and whether you need a referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything if I get the vaccine at a pharmacy?

No. The vaccine dose itself is free under Medicare. Some pharmacies may ask if you want to pay for an administration fee, but this is optional and not required. You can decline and pay nothing.

What if I get the vaccine before I turn 65 and enroll in Medicare?

Vaccines you received before you had Medicare are not covered retroactively by Medicare. However, once you enroll in Medicare, all future COVID-19 vaccines are covered at no cost.

Can I get the vaccine at any pharmacy, or do I have to use one in my plan's network?

If you have Original Medicare, you can go to any pharmacy or clinic. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan first — most cover vaccines at major pharmacy chains, but some require in-network providers. Call your plan to confirm.

Will getting a COVID-19 vaccine count toward my deductible?

No. The vaccine is covered separately and does not count toward your Part B deductible. You pay nothing, and it does not affect your deductible amount.

What if my doctor recommends a vaccine that is not yet FDA-approved?

Medicare only covers vaccines that have been authorized or approved by the FDA. If a vaccine has not yet received FDA authorization, Medicare will not cover it. Ask your doctor which vaccines are currently approved and available.