03/02/2020
Healthy aging all year: Medicare covers 4 important vaccines for seniors
By: The My Medicare Matters Team
Coverage of preventive services is one of the most important parts of Medicare’s role in keeping people healthy. Whether reinforcing immunizations you received as a child, or preparing you for next flu season, vaccines are a key part of avoiding diseases that can prevent you from aging well. Medicare helps pay for four vaccines, each of which you should discuss with your doctor to protect yourself!
This is one of the 4 Important Immunizations - Hepatitis B Vaccine
What is the hepatitis B virus? Hepatitis B (or hep B) is a contagious virus that infects the liver. Acute hep B, which usually lasts a few weeks, often mimics symptoms similar to the flu, like fever and nausea. Chronic hep B is long-term, often has no symptoms at all, and can cause liver damage or death.
Why is it important for older adults to get the hepatitis B vaccine? The liver and its function change as you age, making hep B more prevalent among older adults. Your risk of contracting hepatitis B increases if you have hemophilia, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), diabetes, or other conditions that lower resistance to infection. Acute hep B is particularly dangerous for older adults because there is no specific treatment for the symptoms.
How does Medicare cover the cost of the hepatitis B vaccine? Medicare Part B insurance covers the full cost of the hep B vaccine(s) if a doctor determines that you are at high or medium risk of contracting the hep B virus, and the physician or healthcare provider administering the vaccine accepts Medicare assignment. Consult your doctor to determine your risk of getting hep B.
Make the most of your Medicare coverage
Getting these vaccines is an important part of healthy aging, and they also help ensure the health of your friends and family. Call your doctor today to see if these vaccines are right for your health, and then check with your Medicare provider about where you can get them and what is your expected out of pocket cost. If you know someone who may not be vaccinated, share this information with them so they can take the next step toward protecting themselves.