Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers COVID-19 vaccines.
Description
A COVID-19 vaccine helps lower your chances of becoming severely sick from COVID-19 by working with the body’s natural defenses to develop immunity (protection) against the virus. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Get details about the vaccine.
Coverage details
Medicare covers the updated (2024–2025 formula) Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who has Medicare.
Bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card with you when you get the vaccine so your health care provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare.
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at home?
Part B also covers:
- Lab tests for COVID-19. Part B covers COVID-19 diagnostic tests without cost sharing when ordered by a health care provider and done by a laboratory. Some Medicare Advantage Plans might require you to pay part of the cost.
- Oral antivirals. If you test positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms, but are at high risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, you may be eligible for oral antiviral treatment. Medicare Part D covers oral antiviral treatment. Your plan's deductible, copayment, and coinsurance rules apply.
- FDA-authorized COVID-19 antibody (or “serology”) tests if you were diagnosed with a known current or known prior COVID-19 infection or suspected current or suspected past COVID-19 infection.
- Monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19.
- If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you might have access to these same benefits. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs.
Who's eligible
Medicare Part B covers the updated 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccines:
- Moderna Spikevax: Anyone 6 months or older
- Moderna mNexspike: Anyone 12 years or older
- Pfizer-BioNTech: Anyone 5 years or older
- Novavax: Anyone 12 years or older
Check CDC.gov to find your vaccination schedule.
Costs
- You pay nothing for the COVID-19 vaccine if your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment for giving you the shot.
- If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must use the card from your plan to get your Medicare-covered services. Like other covered services, your plan may require that you get the vaccine from an in-network provider. You pay nothing when you get the vaccine from an in-network provider.
What if my provider charged me to get a COVID-19 vaccine?