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June 07, 2021 at 12:37 PM
What You Need to Know
- Medicare is supposed to cover the vaccine itself with no out-of-pocket costs.
- Providers can charge extra for additional services.
- Clients who believe they were incorrectly charged can ask for refunds.
Some Medicare enrollment questions come from current and future beneficiaries who are unclear about how recent developments may have altered their coverage or patient responsibility.
Here is one question that’s probably on the minds of many Medicare beneficiaries as we try to put the events of the past year behind us.
The Question
I thought the COVID-19 vaccine was covered under Medicare. Why was I charged for it?
The Answer
Just as COVID-19 tests, antibody/serology tests and telehealth visits have been covered during the pandemic, the COVID-19 vaccine is covered at 100% for Medicare beneficiaries.
When your clients visit their providers to receive the vaccine, they should not be charged an office visit fee or any other fees if that was the only service performed.
However, if clients were provided with any other service during that same visit, the clients may be responsible for a copay or payment toward their deductible.
Bethany Cissell is a health care insurance services specialist at 