If you currently have private insurance, then it may be a good idea to get the vaccine before enrolling in Medicare, since many private insurers cover it under preventative care. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. 0000002134 00000 n Another GoodRx coupon can help save as much as 36% off a Tdap vaccine. A lot of plans list Shingrix on Tier 3 drug as a preferred brand-name drug. It is given in two doses spaced 2 to 6 months apart. If your Medicare Advantage plan doesnt include prescription drug coverage (such as Medicare Savings Account plans), you may be able to purchase a separate Medicare drug plan to cover vaccine costs. Studies have shown that Shingrix has a long-lasting effect. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Not having insurance does not mean you have to pay in full. PRice ranges for the shingles vaccine. Antiviral prescriptions can make the rash less intense but health professionals recommend starting treatment as soon as possible. However, your costs will vary based on the plan's details and if you've already met your deductible amount by purchasing other prescription drugs. If you experience side effects, you may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. Her areas of expertise include research and strategy. Read Also: Does The Shingles Vaccine Help With Herpes. Medicare and Stem Cell Therapy: Whats Covered? Ask the doctors office and your plan about the rules. At a doctors office. According to Clever Rx, Shingrix retails for around $155 per shot. It replaced Zostavax in November 2020. Does Medicare Cover the Shingles Vaccine? Unlike Medicare parts A and B, which are government insurance plans that cover hospital insurance and outpatient medical insurance, respectively, Medicare drug plans are private insurance policies developed by providers that have contracts with the federal government. 0000001805 00000 n These plans sometimes include a prescription drug benefit. The difference is they can also offer supplemental benefits for some services not covered by Original Medicare. Because the vaccine works well, it is important to know if and when Medicare covers it. National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter, text alerts and our YouTube channel. You might have a reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or both doses. But even if you received Zostavax before it was retired, the CDC recommends getting inoculated with Shingrix: two doses for adults 50 and older spaced two to six months apart. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. trailer But that changed in 2023. Are all adults over 50 at risk of getting shingles? Guillain-Barr syndrome , a serious nervous system disorder, has been reported very rarely after Shingrix. In adults 50 years and older, Shingrix was 91% effective in preventing PHN in adults 70 years and older, Shingrix was 89% effective. Medigap, or Medicare Supplement Insurance, adds coverage to Original Medicare. For the two-dose sequence, the total cost is $324. Although Medicare Part B covers some vaccines for free, the shingles vaccine is not one of them. You can now get more vaccines under Part D at no cost to you. It is important to know that these drug coupons cannot be used in conjunction with your Part D benefit. If you experience side effects from Shingrix, you should report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System . The shingles vaccine is not covered by Original Medicare (Medicare Part A or B). Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Total number of Medicare beneficiaries. Invitations for application for insurance may be made through QW Insurance Solutions, LLC ("QWIS"), a subsidiary of QuoteWizard.com, LLC ("QuoteWizard"), a LendingTree subsidiary, or through its designated agents, only where licensed and appointed. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine confers long-term protection against herpes zoster: interim results of an extension study of the pivotal phase 3 clinical trials zoe-50 and zoe-70. Medicare Part D generally covers vaccines that Medicare Part B does not cover, like the shingles (zoster) vaccine and the Tdap vaccine. In people 70 years and older who had healthy immune systems, Shingrix immunity remained high throughout 7 years following vaccination. Visit Wellcare-MedicareAdvantage.com Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans, Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. Postherpetic neuralgia can cause the following symptoms: The older you are, the more likely you are to have postherpetic neuralgia. In rare cases, it can lead to encephalitis. In contrast, most private health insurance, either through an employer or through the marketplace, classifies the shingles vaccine as a part of its free preventative coverage.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cstrong\u003EType of pharmaceutical\u003C\/strong\u003E: Shingrix is a Tier 3 drug made by GlaxoSmithKline, and there isn't a generic alternative. Zostavax is slightly more expensive, retailing for anywhere between $212 and $240 per shot. The cost is dependent upon your plan, the type of vaccine you get and the place you receive the shot, according to insurance company Humana. Part A and Part B are referred to as Original Medicare because they were the first parts written into law in 1965. On the other hand, Medicare Part Dor a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D coveragetypically does cover the vaccine. Yes, the shingles vaccine will be free for Medicare recipients in 2023, if they have purchased optional Part D prescription drug coverage from a private insurance company. Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut, Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. Consider looking into these programs to find a low rate in your area. Remember, your Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine. In the United States, more than 99 percent of people born before 1980 have had chicken pox, even if they dont remember being ill, according to the CDC. Private health insurance. This compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesnt provide coverage. You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. {"backgroundColor":"butter","content":"\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EBeginning Jan. 1, 2023, all vaccines will be free under Medicare Advantage or Part D \u2014 including shingles. Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans. o1mg+n@adIakrD`4qGg 1{s8Q!8&gGZ\: vMdSJ` &%ec@AF Medicare is a federally-funded healthcare program for people 65 and older and for people with qualifying disabilities. Any information provided is limited to those plans offered in your area. The high-dose or senior-dose flu vaccine is for people age 65 and older. Shingrix is a vaccine that can decrease your risk of a shingles outbreak. However, there are a few reasons why you may end up paying hundreds of dollars for the two-dose regimen. The risk of getting shingles increases as you age or if you have a weakened immune system. In adults 50 to 69 years old with healthy immune systems, Shingrix was 97% effective in preventing shingles in adults 70 years and older, Shingrix was 91% effective. Home / FAQs / Medicare Coverage / Medicare Coverage for Shingles. The shingles vaccine is covered through Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage as part of your prescription drug benefits. Compare vaccinations. ; A generic drug is a prescription drug that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as having the same active ingredient(s) as the brand-name drug. If you don't have prescription drug coverage, the full price for two doses of the Shingrix vaccine is $324, and several cost-saving options can help you get Shingrix for less. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After youve had chicken pox, the varicella zoster virus that causes it may reappear as shingles later in life, which is why theshingles vaccine is recommended. 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, Look for prescription assistance and coupons on websites that help with medication costs. These plans are sold through private insurers. 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. To help ensure the price of your medicine is affordable to you, BENLYSTA offers a co-pay program that helps eligible patients. Some people felt tired, had muscle pain, a headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea. Or you may need rabies shots if youre bitten by a stray dog. However, the CDC recommends against getting the vaccine in certain cases for instance, if you're currently experiencing a shingles outbreak. What You Need to Know About Medicare Part C, Sign Up for Medicare: How and When to Enroll in Medicare. %PDF-1.4 % Many people think that a vaccine thats recommended by the CDC for those over age 50 would be fully covered by Original Medicare. Contact your Medicare drug plan for more details. You will have to decide which will save you the most money. The site does not review or include all companies or all available products. The risk for post-herpetic neuralgia goes down by 91% and 89%, respectively, in those age groups. This article will let you know how to find a Medicare plan that covers it and will give you other strategies to cut down on the cost when you dont have one of these plans. Assigning Editor | Credit cards, business software, payments. 0000001301 00000 n Keep in mind that this comparison only considers the cost of the shingles vaccine and doesn't take into consideration any other medication costs. Medicaid. Many Medicare. VERIFY reader Patricia recently texted the team to ask whether Medicare will start paying for the shingles vaccine in 2023. The amount you pay will vary based on your policy details and your deductible amount. When they do, they are known as MA-PD plans. Her work was featured by Forbes, USA Today and The Associated Press. What Are the Medicare Income Limits in 2023? Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are also known as Medicare Part D. Select your state to find information about your WellCare plan. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. Often the skin in the area of the rash continues to hurt even after the rash has healed. At your local pharmacy: You can go to your local pharmacy to get your shingles shot as long as they offer the vaccine and appropriately trained staff members administer it. Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts daily Newsletter! brand 1 vaccine of 0.5ml Savings Alert: Coupons for vaccines are for the medicine only and do not cover administration fees. Also, if you did not yet pay your plan's deductible that year, you could end up paying more than your copay or coinsurance, or even full price, for the shot. In that case, you may be better off getting the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine instead. Shingrix is not the first shingles vaccine, but it is the only one currently on the market in the United States.Instead of using a live virus,the vaccine uses a protein from the virus to trigger an immune response. endstream endobj 189 0 obj <>/Metadata 45 0 R/PieceInfo<>>>/Pages 44 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/OCProperties<>/OCGs[190 0 R]>>/StructTreeRoot 47 0 R/Type/Catalog/LastModified(D:20080811180039)/PageLabels 42 0 R>> endobj 190 0 obj <. What parts of Medicare cover the shingles vaccine? If you haven't met your plan's deductible for the year, you'll have to pay full price for the vaccines. Side effects were more common in younger people. Unfortunately, Part A and Part B do not cover the shingles vaccine. Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for all Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, and most Medicare Advantage plans also cover prescription drugs. At the time this article was first written, the zoster live vaccine (Zostavax) was another FDA-approved option for shingles vaccination. GlaxoSmithKline estimates that most people with Medicare Part D coverage pay less than $50 per dose. The FDA approved Shingrix in 2017. Doctors call this post-herpetic neuralgia, and it can sometimes last for months or even years. In 2022, you could pay less than $50 per shingles shot with a Medicare Part D plan from Aetna or Wellcare. syndicated on over 200 websites nationwide. A vaccine for younger teens and children is expected later this year. How much you pay will depend on the plan you choose, though it could be free in some instances. Make Sure To Use an In-Network Pharmacy. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Tanya Feke, MD, is a board-certified family physician, patient advocate and best-selling author of "Medicare Essentials: A Physician Insider Explains the Fine Print. Depending on your prescription drug plan, you still may have to pay: Toward your deductible A copay Out-of-pocket and get reimbursed Medicare Advantage is Medicare coverage provided by private insurance companies. Find out where Medicare stands in the following areas: About the author: Roberta Pescow is a freelance writer specializing in health, home improvement, food, personal finance and lifestyle. All Medicare Plan D plans offer some level of coverage for the shingles vaccine. For more information please see our Advertiser Disclosure. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. People who are uninsured may also be able to receive free or low-cost vaccines through their state health department or a community health center. Many healthcare providers havent set up billing systems to file claims through prescription drug plans. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Vaccines (Restrictions) . Original Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage) doesnt cover the shingles vaccine. 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. Also, if you havent yet reached the annual deductible for your insurance plan yet, youll have to pay the entire amount out of pocket . When healing takes longer than usual, some individuals can feel despair or even depression. Part A and B alone dont cover all prescriptions and vaccinations. However, it does not always cover 100% of the cost.. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. plans, otherwise known as Medicare Part C plans, are private insurance policies from providers that have contracts with the federal government. QWIS does not offer every plan available in your area. But that changed beginning January 2023 because of the Inflation Reduction Act. When you choose a plan, you may want to find one that has Shingrix on a low tier to keep your costs down. xref Recommended Reading: Can You Get The Shingles Vaccine Before Age 50. We've explained what you need to know about Medicare Part C. Here's help to understand what it covers, plan options, enrollment requirements, Medicare is the U.S. health insurance program for people 65 years old and over. Always consult your doctor to find out if the shingles vaccine is right for you. Those who meet certain income requirements can receive help paying for Medicare Part D through the governments Extra Help program. Is the shingles vaccine free for everyone? Because the vaccine works well, it is important to know if and when Medicare covers it. Read Also: Is It Possible To Have Shingles Without A Rash. It is administered in two doses two to six months apart. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Learn more. GlaxoSmithKline. Our partners compensate us. Remember that coverage for the shingles vaccine is usually just one aspect of your prescription drug needs. Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D)usually cover all commercially available vaccines needed to prevent illness, like the shingles shot. If you are on Medicare, you cannot be on a Marketplace plan. No matter your plan, you'll pay no deductible, copay or other costs for a shingles vaccine.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E","padding":"double"}, {"backgroundColor":"ice","content":"\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"reasons\"\u003EWhy doesn't Medicare cover the shingles vaccine as free for all seniors?\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EMany people think that a vaccine that's recommended by the CDC for those over age 50 would be fully covered by Original Medicare. startxref Read Also: Does Walgreens Give The Shingles Vaccine. You might need a tetanus shot, for example, if you step on a rusty nail. Skip to main content Wellcare uses cookies. Tdap: The CDC recommends the combination tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine for adolescents and adults every 10 years to protect against all three infections. Claire Tsosie is an assigning editor for NerdWallet. 0000006961 00000 n GSK Patient Assistance Program for Vaccines. But how you find out how much of the cost your plan covers? Eligible patients could pay as little as $0 for BENLYSTA. If not, you may have to pay all costs upfront and submit a claim to your Part D plan for reimbursement. OK92033) Property & Casualty Licenses, NerdWallet | 55 Hawthorne St. - 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. There are several vaccines covered by Medicare Part D, including shingles vaccines. Medicare Part Bcovers some other vaccines asfree preventive care, such as flu and pneumonia vaccines. However, there are a few reasons why you may end up paying hundreds of dollars for the two-dose regimen. More from VERIFY:Inflation Reduction Act only caps insulin prices for Medicare patients, not for people with private insurance. Medicare Part A and Part B wont cover the shingles vaccine. One of those provisions requires insurance companies that offer Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage to fully cover the cost of adult vaccines recommended by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) starting Jan. 1, 2023. Contact your Medicare drug plan for . CVS Pharmacy offers a full list of vaccines. Influenza, Pneumonia, Tetanus, Hepatitis, Shingles, Measles, Mumps, Human Papillomavirus , Pertussis, Varicella, Meningitis, You dont have prescription drug coverage or a Part D plan and have spent at least $600 during the calendar year, You live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia, You dont qualify for Puerto Ricos Government Health Plan, You apply through your health care provider, who will register for the patient assistance program and submit your application. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Shingrix (given as two shots): Deductible copay: free to $164 for each shot . In both cases, a shingles vaccine dose costs less than $50, and the Part D plans are affordable, averaging $36 to $37 per month. Her additional health-related coverage includes death and dying, skin care, and autism spectrum disorder. She's been a speaker at both CardCon (2017, 2018) and FinCon (2019). About 1 in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetimes, and in rare instances it can recur. This shingles vaccine has been shown to decrease the risk for shingles by 97% for people between 50 and 69 years old and by 91% for people 70 and older. This means people with Medicare Part D will pay nothing out-of-pocket for the shingles vaccine and others recommended by ACIP, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says in a fact sheet about the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn how your. And the best Medicare Part D plan for you is determined by its total performance, including how well its coverage matches your prescription needs. You can have a Part D plan with Original Medicare or with a Medicare Advantage plan that does not have prescription drug benefits. However, there are a few reasons why you may end up paying hundreds of dollars for the two-dose regimen.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--root \"\u003E\n\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--content\"\u003E\n \u003Cdiv class=\"ShortcodeList--column\"\u003E\n \u003Cul class=\"ListUnordered--root ListUnordered--bullet\"\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cstrong\u003EMedicare coverage levels\u003C\/strong\u003E: Some Medicare drug plans have better cost-sharing benefits than others, and how much you pay for the shingles vaccine depends on the plan you choose.\n \u003C\/li\u003E\n \u003Cli class=\"ListUnordered--list-item\"\u003E\n \u003Cstrong\u003EPharmaceutical classification\u003C\/strong\u003E: Medicare classifies the Shingrix vaccine as a part of its pharmaceutical coverage, meaning it would fall under Medicare Part D coverage rather than Part A or Part B. Both Medicare Part D plans also called Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage cover the shingles vaccine, which prevents shingles infections and is approved for use by people 50 and older. You will be asked to register or log in. You may have a hard time getting it, even if your Medicare plan pays for it. By Tanya Feke, MD The vaccine is typically administered to adults who are 50 years and older. All rights reserved. 2021:ciab629. According to GlaxoSmithKline, approximately 90% of privately insured persons 50 years and older pay little to no out-of-pocket costs for the vaccine. In your doctors office: You can get vaccinated in your doctors office. Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans. These plans are sold through private insurers. Pharmacists in all states can administer vaccines included on the CDC-recommended adult immunization schedule, including the shingles vaccine. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. 209 0 obj <>stream That means if you havent met your annual deductible, youll likely wind up paying full price for the shot, which is about $217. She has edited articles on a variety of topics, including business software, Medicare and home improvement. But starting in 2023, theInflation Reduction Acteliminated all out-of-pocket costs for vaccines that the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practicesrecommends for adults, whether you have drug coverage from Part D or from a Medicare Advantage plan. If you get shingles, apainful and itchy rash, you can give chicken pox to those who have not had it nor been vaccinated. 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. This may explain why the cost of the vaccine can sometimes be higher than the GlaxoSmithKline estimate. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. Does Medicare Cover the Shingles Vaccine? related to AARP volunteering. Medicare Part D plans cover this vaccine. In the meantime, please feel free 0000000749 00000 n These insurers offer plans in most states. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can get shingles, including children, but people who are older or those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk. As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, beginning Jan. 1, 2023, there will be no cost-sharing for all adult vaccines covered under Part D that are recommended by the . The blistered area of skin can become infected, requiring antibiotics in addition to antivirals. Her articles have been Two doses of Shingrix provide strong protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia , the most common complication of shingles. The virus can also be transmitted to other parts of your body, such as your eyes or lips. The CDC advises vaccinations for travel. So, while all Part D plans are required to cover the shingles vaccines, the amount that they cover varies widely between insurers. No matter your plan, you'll pay no deductible, copay or other costs for a shingles vaccine. 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. New Year, New Deductible: How to Manage Health Care Expenses, Medicare Partial Part B Benefit for Immunosuppressive Drugs (Part B-ID), The Difference Between Part B and Part D Prescription Drug Coverage, An Overview of Medicare Eligibility and Benefits, 5 Changes to Expect During 2023 Medicare Open Enrollment, Best Medicare Supplement Plan F Providers. Doses, recommended ages, and recommended populations for vaccinations vary. 0000006486 00000 n If the pharmacy you prefer to use for your vaccine/immunization is not in the Navitus network , contact your health plan to see if they will cover your claim through the pharmacy under the medical benefit. That risk is even greater for people who have weak immune systems, but also in people who are 50 and older. Protect yourself The CDC recommends that all healthy adults 50 years and older get vaccinated against shingles. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Tanzi MG. (2019). 0000003144 00000 n The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county. Shingles, a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, typically causes a painful, itchy rash on a persons body that can linger for months or even years. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Part B also covers vaccines you may need if youre exposed to a harmful virus or bacteria by accident. improvement, food, personal finance and lifestyle. Roberta Pescow is a freelance writer specializing in health, home These plans offer services that Medicare doesn't. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix vaccination for everyone 50 years and older and those 19 years and older who have weakened immune systemseven if you have already had shingles, if you had another type of shingles vaccine, and if you dont know whether or not youve had chickenpox in the past. This means each plan has its own set of premiums, benefits, copayments, deductibles and coinsurance. 188 22 It is administered in two doses two to six months apart. syndicated on over 200 websites nationwide. These include: There are a few steps you can take to make sure your shingles vaccine is covered if you have Medicare Advantage with drug coverage or Medicare Part D: If you have to file for reimbursement, youll have to pay the full price of the shot when you get it. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. How much you pay will vary based on the plan you choose. That includes the shingles vaccine. The vaccine protects you at least 85 percent of the time for the first four years after vaccination. En espaol|Yes, if you have prescription drug coverage. doi:10.1093/cid/ciab629, Schwarz TF, Volpe S, Catteau G, et al. Also Check: How Long Does It Take To Get Over Shingles. The amount you pay for the shingles vaccine will depend on how much your Medicare plan covers. You'll get the best deal on shingles vaccine coverage with a Medicare plan from Aetna or Wellcare. 0000007626 00000 n All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. To find a in-network pharmacy contact Navitus at 1-866-333-2757 or visit them online at www.navitus.com. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance. The herpes virus can cause outbreaks that may affect hearing and vision. to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Use the AARP Auto Buying Program to find your next safe car! If youre admitted to the hospital, Part A will provide you with inpatient coverage. This will give you a good starting point and help you figure out the best way to keep your costs down. Older adults with Medicaid benefits also will receive recommended vaccinations free of charge. If you do not have insurance coverage, you may have to pay the full price out of pocket. The shingles vaccine falls under your prescription drug plan, and you could be covered if you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D. ValuePenguin.com is owned and operated by LendingTree, LLC ("LendingTree"). 0000003107 00000 n Or, you can switch plans during the annual open enrollment period to find one that covers it at a better price. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Starting in 2023, all Medicare drug plans cover the shingles vaccine in full no deductible, no copay as well as other vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Check with your pharmacy and insurance plan for details. SHINGRIX (QL 2 vials per lifetime) . The shingles vaccine isn't guaranteed to be free for all Medicare recipients. Shingles is a painful reminder that herpes zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox, is present in the body.