Community Chat

[Allegheny]

@Suzeecat @NickNack

Both DH & I have gotten the previous shingle vaccine Zostavax®.  Our

PCP recommended we get the Shringrex vaccine.

We have Medicare A/B which doesn't cover the vaccine, but our supplemental insurance does.  There lies our problem.  Aetna told my husband that we can't just go to a pharmacy to get the shots, that we have to go to one with a minute clinic or healthcare clinic and they are affiliated now with CVS.  That was the same procedure he had to go thru to get the Zostavax® vaccine, but they were then affiliated with Walgreens  At that time there was no problem.

So we carted ourself to CVS.  The minute clinic had the vaccine, but told us both we would get billed $179.  My husband was extremely frustrated.  He had done all "his homework" with Aetna before we drove there.  We called Aetna from the parking lot and the representative didn't know why the CVS staff was giving him that reply.  Yes, we probably could just send the bill to Aetna and ask for reimbursement, but my husband is stubborn, and rightfully expects CVS and Aetna to have their act together and be on the same page when giving out guidance to their customers.

Just wanted to give anyone a heads up to make sure wherever you get your vaccine to be sure to have them check if they can bill your insurer directly.

[OKPrincess]

I go on Medicare Monday so time for me to see how this system works. 🙀

[Allegheny]

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@OKPrincess wrote:

I go on Medicare Monday so time for me to see how this system works. 🙀

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Actually @OKPrincess I am very pleased so far with Medicare.  I have the traditional parts A&B and my supplemental plan is a group plan I subscribe thru my former employer.

I have been on Medicare for 2 years.  Thus far, between Medicare and my supplemental insurance I have not had to pay for anything out of pocket, that includes medication.  Of course I do pay monthly premiums for Medicare and the group insurance plan supplemental which are deducted from my pension (former federal employee).

The only issue I noted when coverting from the insurance plan I had when employed is that there are some procedures they would pay for where Medicare will not.  I have a lipoma on my inner arm at the elbow. Ugly thing.  Medicare does not pay for removal, considers it cosmetic.  However under my insurance when employed, they would.

[patbz]

@chiclet:  There definitely is a nationwide shortage. I didn't get it in July when my provider had it, now they have a waiting list of 84, with priority going to those who did get the first shot (the pharmacist is getting it in batches of five shots!) have priority to get it.

[Burnsite]

I received it last May at my annual checkup.  Very sore arm at first and then a little sore for a few weeks--but not too bad. I think it is an intramuscular (sp) shot, which hurts a little more.  Second shot scheduled for Oct or Nov.

I know two people who have had repeated shingles attacks, so I'm eager to do what I can to avoid that illness!

[OKPrincess]

@Allegheny I signed up with Silver Script prescription so there will be some out of pocket expense.

It’s a rude awakening when going from employer  insurance to Cobra to Marketplace and finally Medicare. (We retired early).

[Allegheny]

@OKPrincess Wow you've been "around the world" as far as health insurance goes. I retired at 56.  DH and I were fortunate our employer offers medical insurance plans to carry over into retirement and became Medicare eligible. 

[RespectLife]

Shingrix, the new vaccine, did not become available until October 2017.

If you had a vac shot prior to that date...it was NOT Shingrix.

[SeaMaiden]

My  Husband and I had the regular, not the newer form of shingle shot last fall.... with all the hassle of pharmacies being out of it... etc, we will just go with the shots we had for a while until supplies catch up with demand. 

It is almost like they are scaring people into wanting the newer shot  to the point of panic... which causes shortages.  Phamacutical companies pull this scam  to the public...  and jack up the prices too to get the most bang for the buck.

 I am sure for those who got the original shingles shots, you are just fine  and not to feel panic to get the new shot right this moment.

[chrystaltree]

There's a shortage here, I'm going to wait until 11/1 when more of it should be in supply.