SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus (COVID-19)

i thought covid shots were free

 

I just received my Flue shot and CVS tried to charge me $68. When I said that they were always free, the technician said that maybe she should submit the charge under my Medicare Part "D" coverage and there was no charge. Covid shots are covered under Medicare part D (Prescription Drugs) and friend Bob does not pay for Part D.

JeffD

ps. The new RSV vaccine is also covered under Medicare part D for those of us over 60 years old.

 

is 'original medicare' part D?

coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-vaccine

this says part B:

watch

watch

 

"Original Medicare has Part A and the optional, extra cost, Part B. Part C is the alternative HMO coverage (as advertised on TV), and Part D (also extra cost as mentioned by Bob) covers many, but not all, prescription drugs.

JeffD

 

so medicare says they cover the shot under 'original medicare'

 

Yes, as long as you pay extra.

JeffD

 

they say fully covered

 

Yet the shingles shot we had to pay up the Wazoo even with Part D. Makes no sense.

 

strange, we got it for free. could it be my insurance company, or because we were 65?

 

Removed link and quotes

Some sources also say it's up to your particular Medicare Plan D to cover.

A little confusing.

Edit/Update - The Medicare site says it is up to your Plan D to cover the shingles shot so I am removing the link and info above as it appears to not be right and could possible mislead someone.

 

Medicare A is hospital insurance. I would think most people would pay for B. I have Blue Shield supplemental on top of those, which picks up what Medicare doesn’t pay.
In the medicare link above it has “If you paid to get a covid vaccine.”
I thought the covid shot was free too, but the world is full of those who find a way to charge. They had walk in places to get a shot before, no one was paying.

 

the video did mention that cvs was charging people, then found out later they shouldn't have.

 

When the new one was first announced, I called the pharmacy and they couldn't get their computer to agree with my insurance's computer about it, but they said "that should get worked out" and when I called the insurance they said "that should get worked out" and when I called the pharmacy again this week they just said "yup, covered" right away.

So I guess I'm glad I waited, though probably if I had gone last week I could have avoided my little adventure this morning.

 

I can’t find anything on Medicare.gov requiring certain optional Medicare parts.
Just ‘as of may 11, 2023, Covid shots are free with no out of pocket’ for those on Medicare

 

I just made an appt with cvs for the covid, rsv, and shingles shots. Just had a 6 mo dr visit and they gave me a flu shot and the list of the rest I should get. The pneumonia shot I decided to pass on for now. That’s five shots if I got them all. Cvs only asked for medicare, but asked for the number too. Today right after made the appt. I read in some news cvs is having trouble with pharmacy staff quitting.

 

they have lost a lot of employee problems since covid, like many companies. older pharmacists retired, etc.
read a report today that cvs is having trouble getting the vaccine, and people showing up for appointments are being turned away.

 

I got the shot and paid at 11 AM. Checked my email and got the Medicare ‘no cost to you’ at 4 PM. The COSTCO pricing system was fixed and got a refund at 5 PM.

I’ll get the flu shot next week and RSV a week later. Staggered vaccinations make it easier diagnose any side effects.

Bob Wilson

 

Funny you mention this as Elon Musk reports:

Musk continued: "As for myself, I got original Covid before the vaccine was out (mild cold symptoms) and had to get three vaccines for travel. The third shot almost sent me to hospital. How many other people out there have symptoms that are actually from the vaccine or Covid treatment, rather than Covid itself?​

There are many things I admire about Elon. Other areas that I understand and have taken a different path. But this is an area where he and I can agree to disagree. Curious, Musk had a reaction on the "third shot" and no details of the symptoms that "almost sent me to hospital."

The behavior pattern matches lying by selective omission. In contrast, I was given a detailed list of potential side effects. Please ask Mr. Google for the details. I'll let you know if I die.

Bob Wilson

 

I wasn't aware that most of us age 60-64 (outside a few specific conditions) were even eligible for any part of Medicare.