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WHAT’S NEW IN MEDICARE?
Coverage For Vaccines, Including Shingles Vaccine
Medicare provides coverage for certain vaccines under Part B, and others under Part D.
Part B
Medicare Part B currently covers the following immunizations:
- Pneumococcal pneumonia
- Influenza virus
- Hepatitis B for individuals at high/intermediate risk
- Other vaccines (e.g. tetanus toxoid) when directly related to the treatment of an injury or direct exposure to a disease or condition.
If a vaccine is covered under Part B, it will continue to be covered under Part B regardless of the changes to Part D.
Medicare Part D will generally cover those vaccines not available for reimbursement under Medicare Parts A or B when administration is reasonable and necessary for the prevention of illness.
Part D
Part D plans identify covered drugs and vaccines through the use of formularies. A new preventative vaccine may not be specifically listed but it still may be available for reimbursement. Contact your Part D plan about coverage.
Shingles Vaccine
The zoster vaccine (trade name Zostavax) is a preventive vaccine, and is available for reimbursement under Part D. Contact your Part D plan for more information about costs and reimbursement for this and other preventive vaccines.
Source: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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LINKS FROM PAST ARTICLES
- Slower Growth in Medicare Budget (Janaury 2008)
- Retirement Plans May Cut Health Insurance Benefits (January 2008)
- Medicare Cuts Payout on 2 Cancer Drugs (December 2007)
- CareGiver Costs Rise (November 2007)
- Part B Premiums To Rise (October 2007)
- Part D Premiums Lower in 2008 (August 2007)
- Medicare Changes Coverage For Anemia Drugs (August 2007)
- How Can Medicare Help Me Stay Healthy? (July 2007)
- Home Infusion Therapy (June 2007)
- 5 Ways to Lower Your Drug Costs (April 2007)
- New Edition of the Guide to Home Health Care Agencies (May 2007)
- Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ 2007 Report Summary (May 2007)
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