[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Having actually had pneumonia when I was in my thirties, I would advise anyone, especially the elderly to go and get the pneumococcal vaccine, and then to keep up with the booster shots. If it goes poorly, as it did for me, and you end up in the ICU at hospital, it is no joke, and frankly I don’t want my elderly loved one to go through that.<\/p>\n
If you are enrolled in Medicare, Medicare Part B will cover two separate pneumococcal shots,\u00a0 and if you use a Medicare-enrolled doctor, or other qualified health care provider, who accept the Medicare-approved price it is free.<\/strong><\/p>\n Once you have received the first pneumococcal vaccine you have to wait at least one year to have the second shot if your doctor, or health care provider, decides that you need it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Infections caused by the pneumococcal bacteria lead to a number of illnesses\u00a0 –<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the US.<\/em><\/p>\n As I said in my introduction, I have had pneumonia, and spent 9 days in intensive care.<\/p>\n My lungs filled right up with fluid, and I only just got away without being placed in an induced coma on a ventilator.<\/p>\n It took my lungs, or at least it felt like it did, about 6 months to fully recover, after I was placed on steroids for quite some time – Prednisolone.<\/p>\n I only bring this up to say, if you have any respiratory, or other underlying health concern, get the pneumococcal vaccination, because it really doesn’t bear thinking about catching pneumonia.<\/p>\n It was a terrifying and horrible experience, and the drugs they have to pump into you are not at all enjoyable.<\/p>\n So, if you have any concern I wouldn’t hesitate to get vaccinated, and if you are over 65 just go and do it.<\/p>\n I was lucky because I was young, had great doctors and nurses, and I made it through without any complications, other than immense difficulty breathing and the fluid.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But some people may develop –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You don’t want to be battling such illnesses at an advanced age.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All adults over 65 are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get the pneumococcal vaccine.<\/p>\n If a person\u00a0 certain underlying health conditions they may get it once every 5 years.<\/span><\/p>\n The CDC recommends that –<\/span><\/p>\n For adults 65 years or older who do not have an immunocompromising condition, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant and want to receive PPSV23 ONLY<\/strong>:<\/em><\/p>\n For adults 65 years or older who do not have an immunocompromising condition, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant and want to receive PCV13 AND PPSV23:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n You can find and read the whole section “Pneumococcal Vaccination: Summary of Who and When to Vaccinate”\u00a0here<\/strong><\/a> on the CDC website.<\/p>\n Younger people with certain underlying health conditions and chronic health conditions should get the vaccine as well.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The pneumococcal vaccine shots in pharmacies are totally covered by Medicare Part B if the pharmacy is Medicare-enrolled and accepts assignment – that is, that they accept the Medicare-approved price for the vaccine.<\/p>\n If that is the case, the pharmacy will simply bill Medicare, and you have nothing to pay at all.<\/p>\n Neither to the pharmacy, nor to Medicare.<\/p>\n If you have Medicare Advantage, you just have to use the correct pharmacy in the plan’s network, and you won’t have anything to pay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Medicare Part B covers the pneumococcal vaccines at Walgreens.<\/p>\n If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you can get the vaccines without deductible or co-pay.<\/p>\n Walgreens gives both types of pneumococcal vaccine –<\/p>\n PPSV23 – pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine gives protection against 23 strains of pneumonia bacteria<\/p>\n PCV13 – pneumococcal conjugate vaccine gives protection against 13 strains of pneumonia bacteria, including the strains most likely to cause serious disease.<\/p>\n You find out more about pneumonia shots at Walgreens here on their site<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n You should take along your insurance information, and a photo ID when you get your vaccine.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n You can also make an appointment at a Walgreens near you\u00a0here on their site<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two pneumococcal vaccines available in the US are –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are enrolled in Medicare, the two vaccines are a cost free benefit, so long as you use a Medicare-enrolled Doctor, or other qualified health care provider, who accepts assignment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you don’t have insurance for your pneumonia shots, the CDC lists the prices in the private sector,\u00a0 for the autumn of 2020, as –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can check the cost of most vaccines in the private sector here<\/strong><\/a> on the CDC website.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Medicare Advantage – text” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With a Medicare Advantage Plan, you are covered for the same services as Medicare Parts A and B, so you have the same coverage for vaccinations.<\/p>\n You will though have to check with your insurer which are the pharmacies and doctors that you are allowed to use, so that you get your shot for nothing.<\/p>\n Make sure you stick within your plan’s network, or you may not be covered at all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you use a Medicare-enrolled physician, or other qualified health care provider, and they accept assignment, Medicare Part B will cover one flu shot per season, and you will pay nothing.<\/p>\n There is also no deductible with pneumonia shots.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here are some concrete reasons why our elderly loved ones should get the flu vaccine.<\/p>\n Each year in the United States, 9 out of 10 flu-related deaths and 6 out of 10 flu-related hospital stays occur among people aged 65+. An annual flu shot is one of the best preventive measures to help protect against the flu. The shot is available in both a regular strength dose and a high dose that provides extra immunity, which is often recommended for older adults.<\/em><\/p>\n The source of the text is the NCOA Center for Benefits access – “Vaccines: What Medicare pays for” <\/strong>you can read it here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n The statistics above make a compelling argument for flu vaccination for the elderly community.<\/p>\n As you age, your immune system’s ability to defend your body against infections and viruses diminishes.<\/p>\n As a result, the older you are, if you come into contact with people who are infected, the more likely you are to catch the flu.<\/p>\n And to compound the problem further, the older you are, the more likely you are to develop serious complications from the flu, such as pneumonia.<\/p>\n Those elderly adults with certain underlying health conditions are at an even greater risk of serious complications.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The health conditions which put you at greater risk include –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n An immune system can be compromised by different types of cancer treatment, HIV\/AIDS, steroids and other forms of anti-inflammatory treatments.<\/p>\n For all these reasons, it is important for the over 65’s to get the flu vaccination.<\/p>\n As the flu virus mutates and previous vaccines may no longer be effective the following season, you need to get a shot each too.<\/strong><\/p>\n You are also protecting those around you when you are vaccinated, so it is important for the caregivers, the children and the grandchildren of elderly adults to also get the vaccine each year.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The types of Influenza Vaccine for adults are –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Influenza Vaccines recommended for over 65’s are –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can read more about this on the Centers for Disease and Prevention website here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To be covered for the Shingles Vaccine, Shingrix, you have to be in a Medicare Part D plan –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Shingles is caused by the virus gives us chickenpox – the varicella-zoster virus.<\/p>\n If a person has had the chickenpox, the virus will lie inactive in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. Many years in the future, the virus may reactivate as shingles.<\/p>\n Shingles is most common in over the 50s, and even more so in the over 80s.<\/p>\n You are also at greater risk of getting shingles if you have a compromised immune system.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Shingles is a condition where the virus causes a rash which can appear on any part of your body, which will blister, becoming very painful to touch and can make movement very unpleasant.<\/p>\n My mom had shingles in her left eye when she 88, and it truly was a nightmare.<\/p>\n The pain was constant for months – about six I believe – and she was unable to do much other than rest or sleep.<\/p>\n Shingles may lead to long term nerve pain, numbness and tingling, long after you have recovered from the actual virus – this is called Neuralgia or Neuropathy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prior to July 2020 the two main Vaccines for shingles in the US were –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n But Shingrix has been more successful in protecting people from getting shingles, so the 1st of July 2020 Zostavax was removed from sale in the US.<\/p>\n The CDC advises all the over 50s to get the Shingrix Vaccine for shingles.<\/strong><\/p>\n To learn more about the Shingles vaccine, got to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you have an illness or injury, Medicare Part B or Medicare Part C, will cover the Tetanus Vaccine as “medically necessary” if it is prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled doctor.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To be covered for the Tetanus Vaccine under normal circumstances for a booster, you have to be in a Medicare Part D plan –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tetanus is an infection caused by a toxin made by spores of bacteria, Clostridium tetani, which, when they enter the body, develop into bacteria, and produce the toxin tetanospasmin.<\/p>\n The spores are found all around us, and can enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as puncture wounds from a nail or needle, or wounds which are contaminated with soil, dust or feces, as well as burns, insect bites, surgery, dental infections and more.<\/p>\n The most well-known symptom of tetanus is “lockjaw”, where the muscles of the jaw tighten, which can lead to problems with swallowing, muscles spasms, headache, fever, and far more serious complications which can ultimately lead to death.<\/p>\n For that reason, it is important to get the tetanus vaccine if you haven’t had it, and to get a booster once every ten years.<\/p>\n In the US, most small infants receive the vaccine for tetanus, along with one for diphtheria and another for pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough.<\/p>\n This first vaccine for infants is known a DTaP and is spread over a series of inoculations over around 6 years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 5 years later, the child receives a booster vaccine called Tdap<\/strong><\/p>\n Adults may receive the vaccine Tdap, or a version which contains no vaccine for whooping cough called Td.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Center for\u00a0Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises –<\/p>\n All adults who have never received one should get a shot of Tdap. This can be given at any time, regardless of when they last got Td. This should be followed by either a Td or Tdap shot every 10 years.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n You can find the whole document on their website here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n The other sources for this passage on tetanus and the vaccines for tetanus were –<\/p>\n Mayo Clinic article on Tetanus, which you will find here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n A document on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website which you will find\u00a0here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The equipment and supplies covered by Original Medicare which is for\u00a0use in the home<\/strong>\u00a0is classified as\u00a0\u00a0“durable medical equipment”, <\/strong>or as\u00a0DME<\/strong>.<\/p>\n It is Medicare Part B, which covers DME for “use in the home”.<\/strong><\/p>\n Those supplies and medical equipment which is used in a hospital are covered by Medicare Part A – hospital coverage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Medicare classes equipment as Durable Medical Equipment if it is:-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Source: Medicare.gov website – here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Such “durable medical equipment”, or DME, which\u00a0Medicare covers includes wheelchairs, crutches and walkers, hospital beds, respirators, patient lifts, and medical oxygen.<\/strong><\/p>\n Do note that, durable medical equipment is only covered when it is medically necessary, as defined by Medicare.<\/strong><\/p>\n Medicare will not typically cover items defined as convenience or comfort item, or which it sees as “not primarily medical in nature”<\/strong>, such as bath chairs, air purifiers, room heaters, grabbers, cold packs and massage devices.<\/p>\n That is not to say that Medicare will never cover an item which it lists as not covered. For if a doctor can make the case that a certain item may improve a patient’s condition, or make more expensive treatment unnecessary, Medicare may well decide to give coverage.<\/p>\n Medicare Part B’s typically will cover 80 % of the Medicare-approved price of DME, and you, the beneficiary, pay your coinsurance of 20% Medicare-approved price, and if it applies, your deductible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Disposable medical supplies<\/strong> which are needed for use along with durable medical equipment in the home will generally be covered by Medicare Part B.<\/p>\n Disposable medical supplies though,\u00a0which are not used in conjunction with durable medical equipment<\/strong>, will not usually be covered by Medicare Part B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Examples of disposable supplies, which are not durable, not used in conjunction with a piece of durable medical equipment and not covered by Medicare Part B, include the following –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Medicare Part B may cover blood sugar strips and certain catheters, if they are used in conjunction with durable medical equipment,\u00a0 or to treat long term health conditions.<\/p>\n Do note that some disposable supplies needed for home care will be covered if you receive the Medicare Home Health Care Benefit.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n There is free guidance offered on Medicare, Medicaid and Medigap from all SHIPs.<\/p>\nWhat are pneumococcal bacteria,\u00a0 and pneumonia ?<\/h2>\n
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The Pneumococcal Vaccine ?<\/h2>\n
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Does Medicare pay for Pneumonia shots at a pharmacy ?<\/h2>\n
Does Medicare pay for pneumonia shots at Walgreens ?<\/h2>\n
Medicare reimbursement for Pneumovax 23 ?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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How much does it cost to get a pneumonia shot ?<\/h2>\n
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Does Medicare Advantage cover pneumonia shots ?<\/h2>\n
Does Medicare cover flu shots ?<\/h2>\n
Why should the elderly get flu shots ?<\/h2>\n
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What are the different types of flu vaccine ?<\/h2>\n
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Does Medicare cover the Shingles Vaccine ?<\/h2>\n
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What is the Shingles Vaccine ?<\/h2>\n
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Does Medicare cover Tetanus shots ?<\/h2>\n
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What is the Tetanus Vaccine ?<\/h2>\n
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Which medical equipment and which supplies do Medicare pay for ?<\/h2>\n
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Free help with understanding Medicare<\/h2>\n
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SHIP – State Health Insurance Assistance Programs<\/h3>\n