Medicare’s Other Vaccines
In a world dominated by COVID headlines it can be hard to remember that there are other illnesses that can make us sick. Everything we had before is still around; it just does not make the news. So how does Medicare cover vaccines and immunizations?
Both Medicare Part B and Part D cover vaccines and immunizations. Medicare Part B covers one Influenza (flu) shot per flu season. Typically, the flu season is considered to be November thru April. Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage Plans cover the flu shot at 100% so Medicare beneficiaries have no out of pocket costs. The flu shot helps protect from the influenza virus and it is recommended seniors get one every year.
Medicare Part B covers two pneumonia shots, the pneumonia shot helps protect against pneumonia, which is an infection and inflammation of the lungs. I have had pneumonia and do not want that again. Medicare will cover the first shot given at any time and the second shot if it is given at least one year after the first shot. Medicare Part B pays 100% of the Medicare approved amount of this vaccine so there is no out of pocket costs for most Medicare beneficiaries.
Part B also covers vaccines you need if you are exposed to a virus or bacteria in an accident; such as a tetanus shot if you step on a rusty nail or rabies shots if you are bitten by a stray animal.
Hepatitis B vaccines are also covered by Medicare Part B for those considered at medium to high risk of infection. Hepatitis B causes inflammation and damage to the liver. Under Part B, there is no cost to the Medicare beneficiary. If a person is considered low risk for Hepatitis B then Medicare Part D covers the vaccine and the cost can vary depending on the prescription drug plan.
Medicare Part D, the prescription drug portion of Medicare covers most other vaccines including the shingles shot and the Tdap, it also covers other vaccines that are medically necessary. The cost of vaccines varies depending on which vaccine is required, which plan you have and where you have the vaccine. Check with your plan on where you can get the best coverage on needed vaccines but most offer the best coverage at an in-network pharmacy. Medicare Advantage Plans also cover the Part B vaccines and the Part D vaccines. You would need to check with your plan to determine the cost and location that works best for each plan.
As the world goes COVID crazy again, remember there are, still other illnesses out there that we need to protect against and Medicare covers a variety of vaccines. Take care of yourself and stay safe and healthy.
If you have Medicare questions, please call Aging Matters, 800-392-8771. Because Aging Matters.
Life is returning to normal. Restaurants and stores are open, people can gather again and meetings have returned to in-person events. In addition, we at Aging Matters are starting our Medicare Matters Workshops and other events.
Medicare Matters Workshops are in person meetings where we go over all the parts of Medicare from A to D. We discuss when you need to enroll, when you do not need to enroll and penalties if you get the timing wrong. We also discuss the cost for the different parts of Medicare, what Medicare does and does not cover and how Medicare works with other insurance. Finally, we go through the extra help programs that can help pay for Medicare if you meet the eligibility guidelines.
We will hold these Medicare Matters Workshops throughout the 18 counties we serve. If you would like more information, please call 1-800-392-8771 to find out here we will be and to reserve your spot. Aging Matters also does one on one Medicare counseling if that is preferred, please call for an appointment. Our offices are open for clients by appointment only at this time.
As we return to normal, we hope to have other events such as our Scamboree and Grand-parenting conferences. Scamborees are programs held in conjunction with the Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Missouri SMPs mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries to prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud, errors and abuse. At the Scamboree’s we discuss different scams that seniors in our area have reported to us and ways fraudsters try to take advantage of seniors, we offer tips and ways to protect yourself. Our Grand-parenting Conferences are aimed at grandparents who are raising their grandchildren; there is useful advice on legal protections, ways to relieve stress and other helpful tips.
Aging Matters is still assisting seniors to sign up for the COVID vaccine, if you need help getting the vaccine please call 573-335-2482. We can help schedule the appointment and if you need transportation, we can assist with that. If you are homebound and cannot get out to get your COVID vaccine, we can help arrange for you to get the COVID vaccine at your home.
Life is slowly getting back to a type of normal for most of us. Between the vaccine and facemasks, many people feel they are able to meet in person and go out more than they have in the past year. This is exciting and I am so glad that we can begin reaching out to people and helping them in ways we have before. If you would like more information about any of the services provided by Aging Matters, please call 1-800-392-8771. Because, Aging Matters.
From Lori Galati - 2021 H.O.P.E. Campaign
Dear friends and family,
The second t-shirt order came in this past week, and we have *almost* every one of them delivered! We are so pleased to report that after all fundraising efforts, plus additional memorial and other donations from the past year, we are able to contribute $14,000 this year to 18 FORE Life to help benefit area cancer warriors.
This is beyond amazing, and we could not do it without the support of our amazing community. To date, the H.O.P.E. Campaign has raised over $137,000 and turned in names of 237 individuals battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.
We are so blessed to be a small part of helping others in memory of Dad, Mom and Sara, and we are truly humbled by the generosity of so many who help make this possible.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and God Bless!
The Family of Larry & Kathy Jones
Friends, I am running for re-election as Alderman, Ward 2 and I am asking for your vote and support. The election will be held Tuesday, April 6th at the Bearcat Event Center.
These are uncertain times and I believe my experience on the Board of Aldermen, background in banking and education in Business Administration make me uniquely qualified to serve you.
As the longest serving member of the board (going back to Mayor Willis Conner) I have been involved in most of the important decisions of the city since the mid-1990s.
My education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University and Graduate School of Banking, University of Colorado at Boulder.
My overall guiding principal as a conservative is the financial stability of Dexter. For decades, we have not only balanced our budget but also maintained a reasonable reserve fund. Great care needs to be taken to keep our city financially secure. You do not have to look very far to see small towns in the SEMO region where this has not been the case and the results speak for themselves.
Even though it appears Covid-19 is finally weakening and hopefully we can get back to normal soon; I did not think it was a good idea to go door-to-door and speak with you in person.
However, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the City please call or text me at 573-421-1997
Thanks,
Tim Aslin
Age Spots - The Vaccine is Finally Here
I’m so tired of wearing a mask and staying away from people who do not live in my household. Virtual meetings are great but I miss seeing work partners and going out to eat at a restaurant. I miss my life before COVID. I’m sure I am not the only one. There is a light at the end of the COVID tunnel; there are now several vaccines available.
Aging Matters and the other Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Missouri have partnered with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to assist seniors with their online vaccination registration. Aging Matters will help seniors to register for the vaccine appointments; help arrange round trip transportation for those in need and make reminder calls when their second dose of the vaccine is available. “Navigating the web and registering online can be a challenge for seniors, so we’re working closely with the AAAs to provide hands-on assistance with the process and make sure that folks have safe transportation to their appointments, “ said Jessica Bax, Director of the Division of Senior and Disability Services. “This partnership with the AAAs will ensure all Missouri seniors are able to access their vaccine.”
As we begin the process of helping, people register for the vaccine I know there are several questions that people have about the vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe. The COVID 19 vaccine still had to undergo an approval process, which is verified by an independent committee of health experts.
At this time, you need to take both doses of the vaccine unless you have a reaction to the first dose.
If you had COVID, you still need to get the vaccine.
The current vaccines do NOT contain the live virus, so you cannot get COVID from them.
You should receive a vaccination card or printout that tells you what COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it, keep this card and do not post it on social media!
If you have an allergic reaction, report it ASAP!
I am so excited to help seniors in my area register to get the vaccine, the sooner we all get vaccinated the sooner we can return to a more normal life. Until then please remain safe. Wear your mask in public, socially distance from others and take the precautions needed to stay safe, 2021 is looking up.
All Missourians age 65 and older are currently eligible for vaccination. Additionally, those with certain high-risk health factors are also eligible now. More information is available at MOStopsCovid.com/seniors or call Aging Matters 573-335-2482.
