Medicare and Flu Shots

Medicare is important aspect of estate planning, as it covers many health care costs for those over the age of 65. But this federal program can be confusing and difficult to navigate, so here we will discuss the coverage of annual flu shots under Medicare.

Medicare does not cover everything, and it does not pay the total cost for most services or supplies that are covered. It is made up of four parts:

• Medicare Part A, which typically pays inpatient hospital expenses;

• Medicare Part B, which typically covers outpatient health care expenses including doctor fees;

• Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage Plans, which are health plans offered by private companies that have been approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans provide Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage.

• Medicare Part D, known as the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, which is available to everyone with Medicare. To get Medicare drug coverage, the insured must join a Medicare drug plan, which will vary in cost and drugs covered.

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be particularly harmful to those with weakened immune systems, as well as senior citizens. Medicare does cover an annual flu shot as long as the participant is enrolled in Medicare Part B. An annual flu shot may be either in the Fall or Winter, and the participant has no co-pay for the shot.

In addition to coverage for annual flu shots, Medicare is also assisting senior citizens who get the flu. The Influenza Treatment Demonstration provides coverage to all Medicare beneficiaries for FDA-approved drugs which treat and prevent the flu. Medicare will cover up to two prescriptions for certain anti-viral drugs for a person with Medicare who:

• Shows symptoms of the flu,

• Requires a prevention measure when they have been exposed to a person with the flu, or

• Resides in an institution, such as an assisted-living facility, where there has been an outbreak of the flu.

While your doctor can give you the best advice regarding the treatment and prevention of the flu, an estate planning attorney can advise you on both public and private benefits and their role in estate planning to meet your needs later in life.