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

Medicare Part B covers COVID-19 vaccines without a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. You can receive the vaccine at any provider that accepts Medicare — pharmacies, doctor's offices, hospitals, and community health centers all offer it. The vaccine itself is free; you pay nothing at the point of service.

This coverage applies whether you have Original Medicare (Part A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), or Medicaid. The federal government funds the vaccines directly, so your coverage does not depend on your plan type or your income level.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare covers all FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines with no out-of-pocket cost, regardless of which Medicare plan you have.
  • You can get the vaccine at pharmacies, doctor's offices, hospitals, and community health centers — any provider that takes Medicare.
  • You do not need a referral or prior authorization; you can walk in and receive the vaccine the same day.
  • If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, either program can cover the vaccine, and you will not be billed for it.

Where to get your COVID-19 vaccine on Medicare

The easiest places to find a vaccine are large pharmacy chains: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Kroger pharmacies all stock COVID-19 vaccines and accept Medicare. You can often schedule an appointment online or walk in without one. Many pharmacies have extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

Your primary care doctor's office or local health department can also give you the vaccine. If you use a Medicare Advantage plan, check whether your plan's website has a vaccine locator tool — many do. You can also call your doctor's office directly and ask when they have vaccines available.

To find providers near you, visit vaccines.gov, enter your zip code, and filter by vaccine type and location. The site shows hours, whether appointments are needed, and which vaccines each location has in stock.

What you need to bring

Bring your Medicare card. That is the main document you need. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, bring that card instead — it shows your plan name and member ID.

You do not need a referral, prior authorization, or a doctor's order. The pharmacy or clinic staff will ask for your name, date of birth, and Medicare information. If you have had a previous COVID-19 vaccine or infection, tell the provider — this helps them recommend which vaccine and dose is right for you now.

Which COVID-19 vaccines are covered

Medicare covers all COVID-19 vaccines that the FDA has authorized or approved. As of 2024, this includes vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax. The specific vaccines and doses available change as new formulations are authorized, so the vaccine you receive may differ from one you had in previous years.

Your provider can tell you which vaccines they have in stock and which one is recommended for you based on your age and health history. You do not have to choose between brands — Medicare covers whichever one your provider offers.

Coverage if you have Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) must cover COVID-19 vaccines with no cost to you, just as Original Medicare does. This is a federal requirement, not a choice each plan makes. You will not see a copay or coinsurance charge at any point.

Some Medicare Advantage plans have preferred pharmacies or providers, but you can still receive the vaccine at any location that accepts Medicare. If a provider tells you that your plan will not cover the vaccine, contact your plan's customer service line — the number is on your insurance card — and report it. This is not correct.

What to do if you have questions before you go

If you want to know which vaccine your provider recommends for you specifically, call your doctor's office. They can review your medical history and previous vaccines and give you guidance.

If you are unsure whether a particular pharmacy or clinic accepts your Medicare plan, call ahead. Most do, but it takes one phone call to confirm. You can also ask whether they need an appointment or if you can walk in.

If a provider tells you that Medicare will not cover the vaccine or that you owe a cost, do not pay. Contact your Medicare plan or call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report it and find out what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new vaccine in 2024 if I got one last year?

Whether you need a new vaccine depends on your age, health, and how long it has been since your last dose. Your doctor or pharmacist can review your history and recommend whether an updated vaccine is right for you. Medicare covers it either way if your provider says you should have it.

What if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

Either program can cover your vaccine, and you will not be billed. Tell the provider you have both, and they will bill the appropriate program. You do not have to choose which one pays.

Can I get the vaccine if I am homebound?

Some providers offer vaccines at home for people who cannot leave their house. Ask your doctor's office or call your local health department to ask whether they offer this service. Medicare covers home-administered vaccines the same way it covers vaccines given in a clinic.

Will getting the vaccine affect my other Medicare benefits?

No. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine does not change your coverage, premiums, or benefits under any Medicare plan. It is a covered preventive service.

What if I have a reaction to the vaccine?

Most reactions are mild — soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or low fever for a day or two. If you have a serious reaction, seek medical care when ready. Medicare covers any medical care you need related to the vaccine, just as it covers any other medical care.