Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at no cost to you

Original COVID-19 vaccines, updated boosters, and the newer combination vaccines are all covered by Medicare Part B with no copay, coinsurance, or deductible. You do not pay anything out of pocket when you get the shot at a pharmacy, doctor's office, or clinic that accepts Medicare.

This coverage applies whether you have Original Medicare (Part A and B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C). The vaccine itself is free, and the administration fee — the cost of giving you the shot — is also covered. You straightforward show your Medicare card and walk out without a bill.

Key Takeaways

  • All COVID-19 vaccines and boosters covered by Medicare have zero cost to you, with no deductible or copay required.
  • You can get vaccinated at your doctor's office, a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens, a hospital, or a public health clinic — any location that takes Medicare.
  • Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover the full cost of the vaccine and the shot administration.
  • You do not need a referral or prior authorization; you can walk in and get vaccinated whenever a new vaccine becomes available.

Where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine on Medicare

You have many options for where to receive your vaccine. Most pharmacies — including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid — offer COVID-19 vaccines and accept Medicare. Your primary care doctor's office can also administer the vaccine, as can urgent care clinics, hospital outpatient departments, and public health departments in your county.

Call ahead to confirm the location has the vaccine type you want and that they accept Medicare. Some locations may have specific hours for vaccinations or may require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Having your Medicare card with you when you arrive will speed up the process.

Which COVID-19 vaccines are covered

Medicare covers the original two-dose COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and all updated boosters that have been authorized by the FDA. This includes the newer combination vaccines designed to protect against recent variants.

The specific vaccines available change over time as new formulations are developed and authorized. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which vaccines are currently in stock and which one may be recommended for you based on your age and health history. Medicare's coverage keeps pace with these updates, so any newly authorized COVID-19 vaccine will be covered at no cost.

How coverage works with Medicare Advantage plans

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your plan must cover COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at no cost to you, just as Original Medicare does. This is a federal requirement for all Medicare Advantage plans. You will not see a copay or coinsurance charge when you get the vaccine.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may have a preferred pharmacy or provider network, so it is worth checking your plan documents or calling your plan's customer service to see if there are any preferred locations near you. However, you can still get vaccinated at any location that accepts Medicare, even if it is not on your plan's preferred list — the vaccine will still be free.

What happens if you are billed for a COVID-19 vaccine

If a provider bills you for a COVID-19 vaccine or charges you a copay, this is a billing error. Medicare law requires that COVID-19 vaccines be provided at no cost. Do not pay the bill.

Contact the provider directly and explain that Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines with no cost to the patient. If the provider does not correct the bill, you can file a complaint with Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Have your Medicare card number and the date you received the vaccine ready when you call. Medicare can investigate and work to resolve the issue.

Timing and frequency of boosters

The CDC and your doctor can advise you on when you should receive a booster based on your age, health conditions, and how long it has been since your last dose. Recommendations change as new information becomes available, and different people may need boosters at different times.

You do not need to wait for a specific date or season to get a booster — you can receive one whenever your doctor recommends it or whenever you decide you want one. There is no limit to the number of boosters Medicare will cover. straightforward schedule an appointment at a location near you and bring your Medicare card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to meet my deductible before COVID-19 vaccines are covered?

No. COVID-19 vaccines are covered with no deductible, no copay, and no coinsurance under both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Your deductible does not explore to vaccines.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine at any pharmacy, or only certain ones?

You can get a vaccine at any pharmacy or provider that accepts Medicare. This includes major chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, as well as independent pharmacies, doctor's offices, hospitals, and public health clinics. Call ahead to confirm they have the vaccine you want and that they accept Medicare.

What if my doctor recommends a vaccine but my Medicare Advantage plan says it is not covered?

Contact your Medicare Advantage plan when ready. Federal law requires all Medicare Advantage plans to cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. If your plan denies coverage, you can file a complaint with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or contact your state's health insurance counselor through your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP).

Do I need a referral to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

No. You do not need a referral from your doctor to get a COVID-19 vaccine. You can walk into any pharmacy or clinic that accepts Medicare and receive the vaccine without prior authorization or a referral.

Will getting a COVID-19 vaccine affect my other Medicare coverage?

No. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine does not change your Medicare coverage, your premiums, or your benefits in any way. It is a covered preventive service that stands on its own.