Flu season starts in fall and reaches its peak some time in winter. While the CDC doesn’t pinpoint a date for the season, you can be sure that an uptick in cooler weather coincides with the flu season.
Serious risks are present every year, with the flu killing or causing serious illness in people of all ages, especially seniors. Medicare flu shots are one of the ways to lower your risk of serious infection.
COVID-19 also poses a significant risk this year, and if combined with the flu, can be deadly.
What You Need to Know About Medicare Flu Shots
Medicare wants you to get flu shots to reduce the risk of serious complications or hospitalization costs. The shot is 100% covered for anyone that is insured under Medicare, but you will need to go to a provider that accepts Medicare.
One flu shot is covered under Medicare Part B per flu season. Early vaccination can reduce your risk of getting the flu.
If you’re on a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll find that most healthcare providers will offer coverage under Advantage Plans. Medicare recommends not waiting and to get your shot as early in the flu season as possible.
Why Flu Shots are Important
Seniors, or those 65 years of age or older, are at a high risk of serious health complications if they get the flu. The flu shot will offer protection from the flu and also stop you from spreading it to others.
If you have a spouse or loved one in the home that’s in a high-risk age group, you can reduce their risk of infection by getting the flu shot.
How to Get a Medicare Flu Shot
If you would like to take a proactive approach, you can get your flu shot at a health care provider, clinic or doctor that is covered under Medicare. CVS also offers flu shots that are covered under Medicare.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) covers vaccines because they’re considered a form of preventive service. A regular flu shot will fall under the ACA guidelines and are available are no cost under Original Medicare.
You pay no deductible or insurance, but the amount of the flu shot must be Medicare-approved to be fully covered. Participating providers will charge a standard amount that requires you to pay nothing in:
- Coinsurance
- Deductibles
If your provider doesn’t accept assignments, you may have to pay any additional fees for doctor services, but not for the actual flu shot administered.
It’s estimated that 24,000 to 62,000 people in the United States will die each year from the flu. If you have underlying health conditions or are in a vulnerable age group, the flu can be even more serious.
Make an appointment for your flu shot with your qualified doctor or health care provider.
Medicare flu shots are a zero-cost, easy way to reduce your risk of the flu. Annual shots are required to combat the most recent strain of the flu, and there are many participating providers, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and more.
