Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis A Vaccines?

Hepatitis A is more easily transmissible than other forms of Hepatitis. This is especially true for people who have weaker immune systems such as children, seniors, or people with kidney or liver problems. One way to avoid the severe effects of Hepatitis A is through vaccination.

So a common question many people have is, “does Medicare cover Hepatitis A vaccines?” In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of Hepatitis A vaccines and other helpful info.

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis A Vaccines?

The short answer is yes; Medicare will cover the cost of administration of Hepatitis A vaccines. But not 100% of the time. As is often the case with Medicare, certain conditions have to be met in order for Medicare to pay for your hepatitis A vaccine administration. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) provides coverage for Hepatitis A vaccine administration. Coverage for the administration of Hepatitis A vaccine falls under Medicare Part A if it takes place in an inpatient setting. On the other hand, coverage for the administration of Hepatitis A vaccine is provided by Medicare Part B if it takes place in an outpatient setting.

However, Original Medicare will only provide coverage for the administration of the Hepatitis A vaccine and not the purchase of the vaccine itself. On the other hand, Medicare Part B provides coverage for Hepatitis B vaccines and their administration.

Part C and Part D Coverage for Hepatitis A Vaccines

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) also provide coverage for the administration of Hepatitis A vaccines. They cover everything Original Medicare covers but also offer some additional benefits. However, exactly what it covers and what your out-of-pocket costs are will vary depending on the specifics of your plan.

Since many Medicare Part C plans have prescription drug coverage, they also provide coverage for the purchase of Hepatitis A vaccines which are not covered by Original Medicare.

The purchase of Hepatitis A vaccines falls under Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D is a prescription drug plan. And just like Medicare Part C, Medicare Part D plans are provided by private insurance companies. Medicare Part D provides coverage for many preventive vaccines like tetanus shots.

100 percent of both Medicare Part C and Part D plans provide coverage for Hepatitis A vaccines.

How Much Does A Hepatitis A Vaccine Cost?

Hepatitis A vaccines usually cost somewhere from $20 to $110. Pediatric Hepatitis A vaccines are on the low end of the price range while adult vaccines are on the high end.

Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.