Yes, Medicare covers one flu shot per year free of charge and another shot if it is medically necessary. The cost does not apply to a person’s deductible, and they will not have any copayment or coinsurance.
Medicare pays healthcare professionals directly when they administer flu shots. The healthcare practice views this payment as full reimbursement.
This article explains which parts of Medicare cover the flu shot and how a person can ensure it is covered at no additional cost.
Medicare Part B covers the entire cost of one flu shot per flu season, so long as a person gets the shot from a healthcare professional who agrees to accept Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans also cover it, as they must provide the same coverage as Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
For some people, doctors recommend additional flu shots. If a healthcare professional deems them medically necessary, Medicare may cover the cost of these shots.
Trivalent flu shots
During the 2024-2025 flu season, people aged 65 and above can receive a
For these people, Medicare will cover two shots over a single calendar year. For instance, if a person receives a flu shot in January, they may be eligible for another in October of the same year, and Medicare may cover the cost of the second shot.
A person should ask their doctor for more information about recommended additional doses.
If a person has Medicare Part B, a Medicare Advantage plan, or private health insurance, they can get a flu shot for free. This means that a person will not have to meet their deductible to get coverage, and they will not have a coinsurance or copay for this vaccine.
Because the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance companies to fully cover the cost of the flu shot, a person should also not have to pay anything for it under Medicare Advantage (Part C).
That said, a person should check with the site providing the shot to make sure it accepts assignment from Medicare or accepts Medicare Advantage plans. People with private insurance should check their plans to make sure they can get the shot from a particular location for free.
Some insurance plans cover the shot only if a person receives it from their doctor. Other plans provide coverage if the shot comes from certain other locations as well.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.
The cost of the flu shot without insurance depends on the brand and the pharmacy that administers it. Generally, costs range between $13 and $75.
However, people without insurance may be able to get free or low cost vaccines from the following places:
- their health professional
- pharmacies (visit vaccines.gov to make an appointment)
- health centers supported by the Health Resources & Services Administration
- community organizations, employers, and schools
The flu vaccine is generally safe. However, people who have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to it or any other vaccine, as well as those who have had Guillain-Barre syndrome, should not receive it.
Medicare Part B does not cover vaccines that are covered by Medicare Part D. These include:
Medicare covers one flu shot per year. Before getting a flu shot, a person should check whether the shot provider accepts Medicare-approved payments.
If a doctor recommends additional shots, Medicare may cover these as well. However, a person should double-check this before getting a second shot.
People with Medicare Advantage or private health insurance plans may have the option to get the flu shot for free. A person should check with their plan and healthcare professional to make sure their plan will cover the cost.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.