Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Vitamin in a syringe stock photo
By Daniel Petkevich
Aug 15, 2022

If You Need B12 Shots, Does Medicare Cover Them?

Aging can be beautiful, but it comes with its fair share of surprises.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
As we age, our bodies can become deficient in key vitamins and minerals because we don't absorb them as efficiently as when we were young.
A common example of this is B12 deficiency. B12 shots can help you be healthier by adding more vitamins to your body. If you have Medicare, do you have to pay for B12 shots?
Let's take a look at B12 shots and whether Medicare will cover your expenses.

What's a B12 Shot?

Vitamin B12 is water-soluble and is naturally found in some foods, such as meat, fish, and dairy products. It's essential for:
  • Brain and nerve cells
  • Production of DNA
  • Production of red blood cells

Without enough Vitamin B12,

it's not uncommon to experience anemia, chronic fatigue, mouth ulcers, depression, or memory loss — along with many other symptoms.
Visual asset.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
If you have B12 deficiency, your doctor may suggest that you eat

Vitamin B12-rich foods

. Something else they might suggest are B12 shots. These are a quicker way to replenish your B12 levels, especially if you have difficulty absorbing Vitamin B12 from food.

Does Medicare Cover B12 Shots?

Let's look at the situations where

Medicare

will cover your B12 shots. Keep in mind that even if you do get Medicare coverage for your B12 shots, you might still have

deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments

.

Medicare Parts A and B

If you’re admitted to a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, or a hospice care facility — and your doctor orders a B12 shot as a treatment procedure — Medicare Part A may cover your expenses.
For example, if you're in the hospital and your doctor orders medically necessary B12 shots to treat anemia, a gastrointestinal disorder, neuropathy, or some other health issue caused by B12 deficiency, Medicare Part A may provide coverage.
In most cases, you'll receive a B12 shot in an outpatient setting. If your doctor recommends a B12 shot during an outpatient visit, Medicare Part B may cover your expenses. (

Part B typically covers drugs

that need to be administered by a medical professional).
Even if Medicare Part B approves your B12 shots, you may still owe a copay. This is determined by the

type of Medicare plan

that you're on.
Still, if you have Medicare Part B coverage, verify what you'll owe your healthcare provider before scheduling an appointment. We can help you do this.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D covers a wide range of prescription drugs. But, it doesn't cover over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, or supplements.
Part D plans are required to list all prescription drugs they cover in a formulary. Formularies can vary from one Medicare Part D plan to another.
If your Medicare Part D plan lists B12 shots in their formulary, you'll get coverage.
But if B12 shots aren't listed in your plan's formulary, don't worry just yet. You might still be able to get coverage by requesting a

utilization management review

.

This program evaluates the efficiency and necessity of the treatments you're seeking. If your plan provider considers the treatment a medical necessity based on your doctor's recommendation, you could receive your B12 shots at a much lower cost — or even for free.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans

, also known as Medicare Part C, are health insurance plans offered by private insurance companies. They cover the same benefits as Original Medicare — Part A and Part B — but they can also provide additional coverage for providers' visits and treatments like prescription drugs.
Just like Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage plans have a formulary of drugs they'll cover. If your

Medicare Advantage plan

includes prescription drugs and B12 shots in its drug formulary, you may get coverage. Check with your plan provider to find out if they cover B12 shots.

How Much Does a B12 Shot Cost?

The cost of a B12 shot depends on how it's administered. Self-administered B12 shots generally cost less than shots given by a doctor or clinic.
The type of B12 shot also affects the cost. Synthetic B12 shots, which use a form of vitamin B12 not found in nature, are typically less expensive than natural B12 shots.
If your insurance plan doesn't cover B12 shots, you could pay anywhere from

$10 to $75 per shot

.

Medicare can potentially help you get these treatments at little to no cost.

Conclusion

The human body needs Vitamin B12 to function normally. If your vitamin deficiency is caused by malabsorption of B12 from food, your doctor might recommend B12 shots.
If your provider recommends them, Medicare may cover B12 shots for you. Check with your insurance provider if you're unsure whether your plan provides coverage for B12 shots.
You can also call us at (888)-376-2028.

Our team

of experts is happy to check your plan's coverage and answer any other Medicare-related questions you have.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?
Dec 9, 2022
Cover image
What People Don't Realize About Medicare
Mar 27, 2023
Psoriasis on elbow stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?
Dec 7, 2022
Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville
Mar 3, 2023
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: September 2023
Sep 19, 2023
Close up top view of a woman showing a round-shaped Lipoma fatty tumor on an open palm stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Dec 8, 2022
Medicare Explained Thumbnail
Medicare Explained
Jan 3, 2022
Medicare Part A & Part B stock photo
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2023?
Nov 18, 2022
Senior couple going over their finances in front of a computer stock image
How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2023?
Dec 27, 2022
elderly woman with glasses having difficulty reading her phone stock image
Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?
Dec 2, 2022
Black debit card changing hands against a yellow background stock image
What's the Deal with Flex Cards?
Dec 15, 2022
a chart explaining different enrollment periods on medicare
How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You
Apr 8, 2022
Mental health stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?
Oct 12, 2022
Heart on Heart Rhythm Background Concept stock photo
Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?
Dec 1, 2022
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: August 2023
Aug 28, 2023
senior man experiencing discomfort stock image
Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?
Dec 6, 2022
a doctor tells her patient she doesn't accept medicare. the patient wonders what to do stock image
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
Feb 24, 2023
Health insurance form on a table with pen, calculator and glasses stock image
What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
Jan 18, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

2023 Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP)

2024 "Donut Hole" Updates

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

How to Enroll in Social Security

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

The Fair Square Bulletin: June 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2023

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2022 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M