Medicare Part B covers 100 percent of flu vaccinations; Covering; The Bases

I am a healthy 67-year-old. I have Medicare A, B and D. I have a supplemental Medigap plan. I am hearing so much about this year's flu and am considering getting a flu shot. Does Medicare recommend a flu shot and, if so, what parts of Medicare cover the flu shot?

Medicare follows the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommendation that people receive their annual flu vaccination. CDC states: It has been recognized for many years that people ages 65 and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with young, healthy adults because human immune defenses become weaker with age. While flu seasons can vary in severity, during most seasons, people ages 65 and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu disease.

In recent years, for example, it's estimated that between 71 percent and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people ages 65 and older and between 54 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in that age group. So influenza is often quite serious for those ages 65 and older.

The CDC states the possible complications from the flu include: sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, brain and/or muscles and multiple organ failure. Chronic conditions, such as asthma and heart disease, may worsen if infected with the flu virus.

The flu could be a very serious illness and there is a vaccine to protect you against the flu. Medicare Part B covers 100 percent of the cost of the flu vaccine when the vaccine is provided by a Medicare-participating provider.

My husband served 20 years for the Navy and retired with life-time benefits. As a military spouse, I am entitled to military benefits, including health insurance through TriCare. I just renewed my military ID, and I was informed that I need to enroll into Medicare and TriCare-for-Life when I turn 65. Why would I need Medicare when I turn 65 if I have TriCare?

TriCare-for-Life was enacted in 2001. TriCare-for-Life is for retired military (their spouses, widows/widowers and certain former spouses) that are also eligible for Medicare.

TriCare-for-Life requires enrollment into Medicare parts A and B. Medicare becomes the primary insurance; TriCare-for-Life becomes the secondary insurance. People with TriCare-for-Life do not need to enroll into a Medicare Part D drug benefit.

Some people eligible for TriCare elect a U.S.Family Health Plan. Federal legislation changed the rules for USFHP and Medicare. If you were enrolled in USFHP prior to Oct. 1, 2012, continuously remained enrolled with that USFHP, and you become Medicare-eligible, you may continue your coverage under your USFHP.

If your enrollment into a USFHP is made on or after Oct. 1, 2012, and you are both under a military retirement status and a Medicare-eligible person, you will no longer be covered under the USFHP. You will be disenrolled from the USFHP and will be advised to enroll in both Medicare A and B and TriCare-for-Life.

It is recommended that you enroll into Medicare parts A and B. You may discuss your specific questions with either a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor at 410-222-4257 or visit TriCare at www.tricare.mil/contactus.

Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4257 or ship_program@aacounty.org.

Credit: Amy Rubino - Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4257 or ship_program@aacounty.org.