An annual flu shot is typically free with Medicare Part B, as long as you get it in a facility that accepts Original Medicare. If you have a Part C plan instead, you have to go to an in-network facility.
Medicare covers routine preventive care, including annual screenings and recommended immunizations. The
Flu shots are typically free if you have Medicare, but depending on where you get your flu shot, you may have an out-of-pocket cost.
Original Medicare is comprised of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical coverage). Part B covers preventive and wellness care, including flu shots.
If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which replaces Original Medicare, your plan should cover the services that Original Medicare (parts A and B) covers, including vaccines, at no out-of-pocket cost.
The type of flu vaccine covered through Medicare may change from season to season. Currently, Medicare covers the trivalent flu vaccine, which protects against three flu strains, including for people over the age of 65.
Original Medicare fully covers a flu shot if you receive it at a healthcare facility that “accepts assignment,” which means the facility accepts what Medicare pays for the service as the full cost of that service.
This can be your doctor’s office, local pharmacy, or a flu clinic. Examples of pharmacies that accept assignment for Medicare flu vaccines include Walgreens and CVS. Such pharmacies may also accept Medicare Advantage plans if they are an in-network facility.
In addition, in cases when you’re unable to travel to a vaccination facility for health reasons, Medicare may cover the administration of a flu vaccine in your home.
When to get the flu vaccine
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For most, the best time to get vaccinated is September or October, though vaccination remains protective into January or later.
If you have Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare covers the cost of an annual flu shot, which, according to the CDC, costs about
Medicare should fully cover this cost, unless the healthcare professional giving your flu shot does not accept assignment with Original Medicare. In this case, you may be responsible for any excess charges of up to 15% of Medicare’s approved cost.
It may also cost more if you go to a facility that’s out of network with your Advantage plan. Before making an appointment, it’s best to check your plan details and make sure a healthcare professional is in-network.
Medicare fully covers some vaccines, including the flu shot, as part of preventive and wellness care. If you get your flu shot at a healthcare facility that “accepts assignment” with Original Medicare, you will not have to pay out of pocket for a flu shot. Similarly, you won’t pay if you go to a facility in-network with your Advantage plan.
Before making an appointment, it’s best to check with the healthcare professional or facility to be sure they accept Medicare’s full amount for a flu shot. If they do, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket.