Owner and Principal Agent, J O'Brien Insurance Solutions, Williamsburg, VA
In Virginia Shingles vaccinations are covered by Medicare Part D Rx coverage, with or without a copay depending on the plan. For those on an employer group plan or individual plans, some carriers will cover the immunization under Preventive Care with a minimum age limit--starting at 50 in some cases, 60-65 in others. You should check with your insurance company or benefits manager. Benefits under Preventive Care are provided with no copay or coinsurance.
Yes. In fact, under the preventive care requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) vaccination against Herpes Zoster (the fancy name for shingles) is required to be covered at 100%. So, unless you are covered under some old, grandfathered health plan (of which there aren't a whole lot left) that excluded coverage for this vaccination you should be good to go. But any newer health insurance plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act since its passage in 2010 should cover this vaccination.
While my focus is on the under age-65 health insurance marketplace, my understanding is that Medicare coverage for this vaccination may be a different proposition. So, if the questioner is in the Medicare arena you will want to inquire further about this issue.
While my focus is on the under age-65 health insurance marketplace, my understanding is that Medicare coverage for this vaccination may be a different proposition. So, if the questioner is in the Medicare arena you will want to inquire further about this issue.