What Shingles Vaccines Are Available
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there are 2 vaccines licensed and recommended to prevent shingles in the U.S.: Shingrix and Zostavax.2 The CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get 2 doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months, to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease.3
Is Vaccine Coverage Worse In The 12 States That Haven’t Expanded Their Medicaid Programs Than In Those That Have
Although it may seem that there could be less adult vaccine coverage in states that havent expanded Medicaid, that isnt the case. In fact, all of these states offer some vaccine coverage. Compared to the states that have expanded Medicaid, they dont fall behind due to the variation that still exists in those states.
For context, here are the 12 states that havent expanded Medicaid:
To give you a better idea of the variation among these non-expanded states, here are a few examples of the vaccine coverage they offer for adults:
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Alabama Medicaid covers five of the recommended adult vaccines .
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Mississippi Medicaid covers all 13 recommended vaccines.
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Wyoming Medicaid provides flu shots for all adult members, but other vaccine coverage will depend on the plan you have.
Preventive Health: Medicaid Update
Stay up to date with vaccines
Immunizations are the safest way to protect yourself and your loved ones from many dangerous diseases. To help stay safe, see your doctor regularly and get recommended immunizations throughout your life.
Keeping kids safeImmunizations protect infants, children and teens from more than 20 diseases that can cause chronic disease, hospitalization or even death. Vaccination throughout childhood is important because vaccines help provide immunity before your child is exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
The most important screenings and preventive services for children, based on recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are:
Your childs doctor will tell you which vaccines your child needs based on his or her age. If your child missed a vaccine due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, its not too late to get started again. Talk to your childs doctor about how to get your child back on schedule.
Immunizations are not just for kidsDid you know that adults need vaccines, too? Its important to keep vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Youre also at risk for different diseases as an adult.
You may need other vaccines based on your age, overall health, job, lifestyle or certain countries you visit. Ask your doctor about other shots you may need to stay healthy.
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How Does Your Medicare Deductible Affect Your Vaccine Costs
The deductible amount of your Medicare plan affects how much you pay out of pocket before your insurer starts contributing to the cost of your prescription drugs. Depending on how many medications you take, the deductible could affect how much you spend on the vaccine.
Below, we’ll compare how much you’d pay for the shingles vaccine on two plans with different deductibles. In this situation, the person with the MedicareRx Walgreens plan pays less overall, even though they’re paying full price for the shingles vaccine.
Scenario: Shingrix is the only medication needed during the policy
| AARP MedicareRx Walgreens | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cost of two doses of Shingrix vaccine | $160 each, for a total of $320, because the deductible hasn’t been met | $45 copay each, for a total of $90 |
| Total annual cost of premiums and shingles vaccine | $788 | $1,122 |
In the example above, the AARP MedicareRx Walgreens prescription drug plan has a $455 deductible for Tier 3 drugs like the shingles vaccine. That means if you haven’t already met your deductible, you would pay full price for the vaccine, which would be $320 for two doses. The plan costs $38.60 per month for someone living in Charlotte, N.C. If the shingles vaccine is the only Tier 3, 4, or 5 drug needed during the policy year, your total annual spending would be $788.
How Can You Save On The Cost Of The Shingles Vaccine
These five tips can help you pay less for a shingles vaccine.
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Does Medicare Cover The Shingles Vaccine
All Medicare prescription drug plans offer some level of coverage for the shingles vaccine. You will find this coverage under your Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
The amount you pay will vary based on your policy details and your deductible amount. For some enrollees, the shingles vaccine could be free, but others may pay full price if a deductible must be met before the cost-sharing benefits begin.
The shingles vaccine is not covered by Original Medicare . However, Medicare Part B may cover a doctor’s visit to get a prescription for the shingles vaccine.
Most Medigap plans, also called Medicare supplement plans, don’t cover the shingles vaccine because they don’t include prescription drug coverage.
| Medicare plan |
|---|
| Wellcare | $28-$47 |
Typical costs based on available plans in Charlotte, N.C. , Boston , and Los Angeles .
Find Cheap Medicare Plans in Your Area
Remember that coverage for the shingles vaccine is usually just one aspect of your prescription drug needs. And the best Medicare Part D plan for you is determined by its total performance, including how well its coverage matches your prescription needs.
Some Vaccines Covered Better Than Others
Unlike the flu and pneumonia vaccines, which are fully covered as preventive services under Medicare Part B, the shingles shot and other recommended vaccinations are covered as prescription drugs under Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans.
Some of those plans provide better coverage than others, but nearly all of them divide their formularies, or list of covered drugs, into tiers according to cost. Drugs in Tier 1 and 2, mainly lower-priced generics and preferred brand-name drugs, have lower co-pays than more expensive nonpreferred brands in Tier 3 or 4.
Consumer Reports found that many Part D plans categorize the shingles vaccine, Zostavax, as an expensive Tier 3 or 4 drug. Only one pharmaceutical companyMerckmakes the shingles shot, and theres currently no generic version.
That means if you havent met your annual deductible, youll likely wind up paying full price for the shot, which is about $217. But depending on your plan, even after the deductible is met, consumers may have to pay a significant part of the shingles vaccine costup to $100.
Many healthcare providers havent set up billing systems to file claims through prescription drug plans. So if you’re vaccinated at your doctors office, you might be required to pay the full shingles vaccine cost up front and then file to be reimbursed by your insurance.
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How Much Does The Shingles Vaccine Cost
The amount you pay for the shingles vaccine will depend on how much your Medicare plan covers. Remember that if you only have original Medicare and no prescription drug coverage through Medicare, you may pay full price for the vaccine.
Medicare drug plans group their medications by tier. Where a drug falls on the tier can determine how expensive it is. Most Medicare drug plans cover at least 50 percent of a drugs retail price.
PRice ranges for the shingles vaccine
Shingrix :
- Deductible copay: free to $164 for each shot
- After deductible is met: free to $164 for each shot
- Donut hole/coverage gap range: free to $74 for each shot
- After the donut hole: $7 to $8
To find out exactly how much you will pay, review your plans formulary or contact your plan directly.
When Should I See A Doctor Because Of The Side Effects I Experience From Shingrix
Shingrix causes a strong response in your immune system, so it may produce short-term side effects. These side effects can be uncomfortable, but they are expected and usually go away on their own in 2 or 3 days. You may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Contact your healthcare provider if the symptoms are not improving or if they are getting worse.
In clinical trials, Shingrix was not associated with serious adverse events. In fact, serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare. For example, for every 1 million doses of a vaccine given, only one or two people might have a severe allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction happen within minutes or hours after vaccination and include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness. If you experience these or any other life-threatening symptoms, see a doctor right away.
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What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Shingrix
Studies show that Shingrix is safe. The vaccine helps your body create a strong defense against shingles. As a result, you are likely to have temporary side effects from getting the shots. The side effects might affect your ability to do normal daily activities for 2 to 3 days.
Most people got a sore arm with mild or moderate pain after getting Shingrix, and some also had redness and swelling where they got the shot. Some people felt tired, had muscle pain, a headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea. Some people who got Shingrix experienced side effects that prevented them from doing regular activities. Symptoms went away on their own in about 2 to 3 days. Side effects were more common in younger people.
You might have a reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or both doses. If you experience side effects, you may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Guillain-Barré syndrome , a serious nervous system disorder, has been reported very rarely after Shingrix. There is also a very small increased risk of GBS after having shingles.
If you experience side effects from Shingrix, you should report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System . Your doctor might file this report, or you can do it yourself through the VAERS websiteexternal icon, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
If you have any questions about side effects from Shingrix, talk with your doctor.
Is The Shingles Shot Free For Seniors
The shingles vaccine is not free for all seniors, and how much you pay depends on your Medicare Part D plan or your Medicare Advantage prescription drug benefits. Seniors who don’t have a prescription drug plan will have to pay full price for the shingles vaccine or use a cost-saving method to get the vaccine at a discounted price.
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What Are The Benefits Of The Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccines are the best way to protect you from getting shingles. The vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of getting shingles by 50% for Zostavax® II, and to more than 90% for Shingrix®.
For those who still get shingles after being immunized, the vaccines can reduce pain, including the type of pain that lasts after shingles.
Is Shingrix Covered By Medicaid
Shingrix is a shingles vaccine often given to adults over 50 and younger adults with compromised immune systems. Medicaid likely covers Shingrix in the 38 states with expanded Medicaid coverage and the District of Columbia. You can find out if your state has expanded Medicaid on the Medicaid website. Medicaid is less likely to cover Shingrix in states without expanded coverage.
If Medicaid covers the Shingrix vaccine in your state, you’ll most likely need to have it at an in-network facility. The average copayment for covered beneficiaries is less than $5 per shot.
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Who Should Get Shingrix
Adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months. Adults 19 years and older who have or will have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy should also get two doses of Shingrix. If needed, people with weakened immune systems can get the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first.
You should get Shingrix even if in the past you:
- Received varicella vaccine
There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.
If you had shingles in the past, Shingrix can help prevent future occurrences of the disease. There is no specific length of time that you need to wait after having shingles before you can receive Shingrix, but generally you should make sure the shingles rash has gone away before getting vaccinated.
Chickenpox and shingles are related because they are caused by the same virus . After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body. It can reactivate years later and cause shingles.
Shingrix is available in doctors offices and pharmacies.
If you have questions about Shingrix, talk with your healthcare provider.
* A shingles vaccine called zoster vaccine live is no longer available for use in the United States, as of November 18, 2020. If you had Zostavax in the past, you should still get Shingrix. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best time to get Shingrix.
Childhood And Adult Immunization Scheduling
Washington Apple Health covers vaccines given according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices immunization schedule for adults and children in the United States. View the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention childhood and adult immunization schedules.
Apple Health clients can get needed immunizations from:
- Your health care provider.
- Some pharmacies.
- Some local health departments.
Ask your provider to schedule you for recommended immunizations to protect you and your loved ones from diseases that vaccines can prevent. Ask your provider for more information on the scheduling of your immunizations.
Read Also: How Soon Can You Get Shingles Vaccine After Shingles
Medicare Does Not Cover Shingrix But Soon It Will
Haley Hernandez, Health Reporter
The CDC recommends adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix to prevent complications from the disease.
Its more than 90% effective in preventing illness, according to the CDC. But for many people on Medicare, its unaffordable.
Despite covering preventative care, Medicare does not cover the shingles vaccine and at times charges up to $200 for the shot.
In January, that will change. The Inflation Reduction Act aims to reduce the cost of some drugs and close this barrier to good healthcare.
As of January 2023, all vaccinations that are covered under Medicare part D that are approved and recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and also by the CDC, will be covered without a co-pay. So, no cost sharing is going to be associated with , said Alejandra Rischan, lead benefits counselor for the Houston-Galveston area Counsel.
Rischan said the most common question she gets is why the shingles vaccine isnt covered by Medicare, but the Inflation Reduction Act is set to change that.
All these changes are kind of slowly trickling out with the information, and there are a lot of changes that are going to be coming in the next five years for folks who are on Medicare to save a little bit more money, so were really excited to see the rollout of this program, Rischan said.
How Avalere Can Help
Avaleres Vaccines Team is well-positioned to help assess the impact of the IRAs changes on multiple stakeholders, including manufacturers, payers, providers, and patients. Additionally, Avalere can support clients in assessing remaining gaps in vaccine access across markets and identifying key policies to further improve patient uptake.
For more information on how Avalere can support you in advancing your vaccine policy priorities, connect with us.
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Does Medicaid Cover The Shingles Vaccine
- Does Medicaid cover the shingles vaccine? Find out whether Medicaid covers shingles vaccines like Shingrex, including what you’ll pay and who’s eligible.
Shingles is a painful rash caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox vaccine. The condition can also cause complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, which causes long-term nerve pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people over 50 receive two shots of Shingrix, a vaccine that prevents shingles and associated complications. Many people want to know if Medicare covers the shingles vaccine. Below, you can find out everything you need to know about shingles vaccine coverage through Medicaid and Medicare.
Don’t Overpay: Advice For Medicare Patients
Three out of four Americans eligible for the shingles vaccination still havent gotten it, according to the CDC. Not surprisingly, a 2015 report from the National Vaccine Program found that one of the main reasons adults skip recommended vaccines is the cost.
If youve been putting off getting your shingles shot because you were quoted a high price, check your Part D plan. You may be able to get it for less.
Confusion about insurance coverage for the vaccine can sometimes result in patients paying more than they should, Avitzur says.
Dont delay, as the consequences of shingles can be devastating, advises Avitzur, a neurologist who has seen firsthand the painful effects of lingering nerve damage.
Your best bet may be to get the shot at a pharmacy in your drug plans network. Youll still need to get a prescription from your doctor, but the pharmacy will bill your insurance company and youll pay the lowest out-of-pocket costs available under your plan.
If you would like to get vaccinated at your doctors office, ask up front about the cost. Does your doctor charge more to administer the shot than your plan allows? If so, youll be on the hook for the difference. Also see whether the office will bill your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan directly or work with a pharmacy in your network to handle the billing.
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