Medicare and Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A virus can attack the liver and cause hepatitis A resulting in intense symptoms. The most common mode of transmission of hepatitis A is through the ingestion of contaminated food. It can affect the digestive functions and result in severe pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loose motions, and so on.

The duration of these symptoms may vary from a few weeks to months. Patients may also need a longer time to recover due to the reduced ability of the intestine to absorb nutrition from the food during the illness. It can result in a deficiency of nutrients and severe weakness that persist for several weeks after initial recovery.

Hence, patients are often advised to receive a vaccine for hepatitis A in order to protect themselves from the infection. Here is all you need to know about whether hepatitis A vaccine would be covered by your Medicare policy.

Will Medicare help cover Hepatitis A vaccine?

Fortunately, Medicare covers the costs of vaccines for hepatitis A. Generally, Medicare Part D that pertains to prescription drugs covers Hepatitis A vaccines when it is deemed medically necessary.

However, it should be noted that Medicare Part A and B do not cover the vaccines for Hepatitis A.  The costs of this vaccine would be reimbursed only when it is recommended for patients who are at a higher risk of contracting the infection and more serious complications related to the same.

Some examples of conditions that can increase the risk for hepatitis include a very low immunity due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS and long-term use of steroidal drugs.

Health care workers, as well as people in prisons or living in group homes or institutionalized facilities, are also considered to have a higher risk for hepatitis. The cost of the vaccines for hepatitis A and B would be covered by Medicare part B for patients who fall into these categories.

However, to be eligible for the coverage, certain criteria must be fulfilled. The doctor recommending it must accept Medicare assignments to receive the coverage benefits.

Even if you do not fall into the risk categories for hepatitis A, Medicare Part D would cover hepatitis A vaccine. Alternately, you can also sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan to receive coverage for vaccines. Different Medicare Advantage plans have different criteria for the coverage of vaccines. Hence, you must choose your plan carefully and find out if the specific vaccines you plan to receive are covered by the policy.

It should be noted that hepatitis A vaccine can help you avoid the risk of hepatic complications associated with liver damage. It can also prevent serious symptoms that can occur in case you are infected with this virus. Hence, patients are advised to receive hepatitis A vaccine to protect themselves of the symptoms and long-term consequences of this disease.

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