What Medicare covers
Medicare.gov describes the flu shot as a Part B preventive service: usually one vaccine each flu season. You pay nothing if your doctor or other provider accepts assignment for giving the vaccine. There's no deductible to meet and no 20% coinsurance, unlike most Part B services.
The flu season runs through the fall and winter, so a shot in October or November counts for the season, not the calendar year.
Other vaccines Medicare covers
| Vaccine | Covered by | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Flu | Part B | Nothing, if the provider accepts assignment |
| COVID-19 | Part B | Nothing, if the provider accepts assignment |
| Pneumococcal (pneumonia) | Part B | Nothing, if the provider accepts assignment |
| Shingles, RSV, Tdap and other adult vaccines recommended by the CDC | Part D plans | Nothing for recommended vaccines |
Part D vaccines are easiest to get at a pharmacy in your plan's network, which can bill your plan directly.
Getting a flu shot in Oregon
Most Oregon pharmacies, doctors' offices and many county health departments give Medicare-covered flu shots. In smaller towns where the nearest pharmacy may be the only option, call ahead to check vaccine supply. Bring:
- Your red, white and blue Medicare card, if you have Original Medicare.
- Your plan card, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Plans must cover the flu shot too, and may ask you to use a network pharmacy.
Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing or fitness. Extra benefits vary by plan and county, may have limits and costs, and not every plan offers them. Check a plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage. You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent if you have questions about plans from the companies they work with.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine in Oregon?
A Part D vaccine.
Does Medicare cover annual physicals in Oregon?
Your vaccine checklist.
Does Medicare cover me outside Oregon?
Shots and care while traveling.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Flu shots
- Medicare.gov — Shingles shot
- Medicare.gov — Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) shot
More questions in this guide
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Part of the guide: Learn Medicare — the Oregon starter guide · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Is the flu shot covered under Part B or Part D?
Part B. Flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal shots are Part B vaccines. Shingles, RSV, Tdap and other vaccines recommended for adults are usually covered by Part D plans.
Does Medicare cover the high-dose flu shot for people 65 and older?
Medicare's flu shot benefit covers the flu vaccine your provider gives you each season, including the vaccines made for older adults, at no cost if your provider accepts assignment.
Why was I charged for a flu shot?
If the provider doesn't accept assignment, you may owe more. If you were charged at a provider that does, the shot may have been billed incorrectly; ask the pharmacy, your plan, or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Medicare in your Oregon county
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