If you are in the State of New Jersey and would like to discuss your estate plan, our team at Willis Law Group LLC is here to provide you with any assistance that you may need. We are pleased to now also offer Snap Estate Plan services, where you can acquire Attorney-Drafted Estate Plans from the comfort of your own home. To schedule a virtual consultation with us, give our main office a call at (877) 296-2575.
The coronavirus pandemic has been responsible for more than 100,000 deaths in the United States, and it continues to massively affect the way we are able to live our lives. Truthfully, the only way for the country to return to any form of normalcy is with an effective vaccine. And when a vaccine is available, Medicare will cover the cost.
Medicare covers vaccines in a variety of ways, depending on the vaccine. It may be through Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan if you are enrolled in one. Part B covers vaccines, but only for certain illnesses, mainly the flu, pneumonia and Hepatitis B (if you are at medium or high risk). Medicare covers the entire cost of these vaccines if you go to an approved provider, and you do not have to pay a deductible or coinsurance. Medicare Advantage is also required to provide these vaccines to effected individuals at no additional costs.
Part B also covers vaccines if you are exposed to a dangerous virus or disease, such as rabies or tetanus. In those cases, you will have to pay a deductible along with a 20% coinsurance.
Part D covers all other doctor-recommended vaccines, such as the shingles vaccine and the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine. How much the vaccine costs will depend on whether or not you go to a provider who is in-network for your Part D plan. If you get the vaccine in-network, you are responsible for paying the co-pay amount. If you get the vaccine out-of-network, you may have to pay for the entire vaccine and bill Medicare. Do note that Medicare will only pay for the approved cost, which may be less than what you paid. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that covers prescription drugs, it may cover these vaccines. The cost to you will vary, depending on the plan.
Regarding the coronavirus, the CARES Act provides that if a vaccine becomes available, Medicare is required to cover this vaccine under Part B with no cost sharing. Medicare Advantage plans are required to include the basic coverage offered by Medicare Parts A and B, so this coverage also applies to beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage plans.
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