FAQs About Medicare Advantage Plan On COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 changed many aspects of health care in the United States and around the globe. Medicare has increased access to tests, treatments, and vaccines. If you are a beneficiary of Medicare, you don't need to worry about payment for COVID 19 vaccines. Here are some FAQs that guide you towards detailed knowledge of Medicare advantage plans and COVID 19 vaccines.
Does Medicare Advantage Plan Cover the Primary COVID 19 Vaccine?
Medicare covers the primary vaccines vetted and approved by FDA, i.e., Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. In addition, healthcare workers use the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine in emergencies. Whereas the Janssen vaccine is administered as a single dose, Moderna and Pfizer get administered in two doses in 3-4 weeks.
If you can't mount a sufficient immune response with Pfizer and Moderna, you are eligible for an extra dose. The Medicare advantage plan covers all injections of the FDA-approved vaccines, including booster shots.
How Many Doses Medicare Advantage Plan Cover?
The number of doses you get depends on your medical history and the type of vaccine administered. For example, if you complete two Moderna doses and Pfizer, you can get a third dose as a booster shot. If immunocompromised and your primary dosage is three injections, the fourth will serve as your booster shot.
Medicare advantage plan covers the number of doses your doctor recommends for you. For example, the Janssen vaccine covers you for two shots regardless of your immunity status. In addition, the coverage covers you wholly, so you don't have to pay a deductible, coinsurance, hospital visit, etc.
Will Medicare Cover COVID 19 Vaccines After the PHE Ends?
The United States is currently under a public health emergency (PHE). As a result, Medicare Advantage plans will get the vaccines for free. However, the program could change when PHE ends. That's because the Medicare advantage plan usually doesn't cover treatments under emergency authorization.
Perhaps you should ask whether Medicare part B or D will cover the COVID 19 vaccination. Part B vaccines don't always cost you anything, but part D requires you to pay some amount.
What Happens if You Paid for the Vaccine?
Under the Medicare advantage plan, your provider shouldn't charge you any fee if the vaccine is the only service you get. If you got a bill after the COVID 19 vaccine, check for errors on the receipts and statements. Contact your provider to confirm whether you were mistakenly charged and request a refund if you don't find any errors.
Conclusion
If you are a Medicare Advantage plan beneficiary, you shouldn't pay anything to get the approved COVID 19 vaccines. Also, stay alert of scammers who may try to steal your Medicare number. If you still have more questions about your Medicare Advantage plan, confirm online with CDC and US government or your trusted medical practitioner.
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