Wellness

[tsavorite]

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@Drythe wrote:

@gidgetgh 

I’m happy you were able to get your shot.  I had shingles that went through my rt. eye and it was AWFUL pain, ended up in the hospital for almost a week.  Waited almost 2 years for the first shingles vaccination, it was around $300.00, but this was several years ago.  Before I got the vaccine I had 2 - 3 flairs.

Unfortunately am not a candidate for the Shringrex.

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Oh my that is so scary....my Mom had it on her head/face/neck and it was just awful but back then they didn't have this newer vax and she said that her doctor never gave her the one that was available!  She was 80 when it broke out on her.

This stuff scares me big time....could I ask what disqualifies a person from getting the new version?? 

[Still Raining]

My Part D covered it, but I still had find it.  After the first one, it can be a game of nerves to actually find the second.  If you miss the six month window you have to start all over again.  I was lucky to be in the hospital and was asked.  Bingo!

[Anothernewnickname]

I went on Walgreen's waiting list in July.  I was approx #75 on the list and got the impression it was a slow process so the next time I was in WalMart I decided to hedge my bets and signed up there too.  It only took 2-3 weeks before WalMart called for the first shot, and I got my second shot by just stopping in and asking for it 2 months later.  I forgot about being on the waiting list at Walgreens until they finally called about a month after both shots were finished at WalMart. 

My arm was sore with both shots for 4-5 days. The first shot was worse. 

I am a federal employee with federal health insurance and it paid 100%.

[Sadiesadie]

@Havarti : Hmmm, I'm not sure but during my yearly check up recently the doctor told me Medicare won't pay for vaccinations done in office. There was only 1 that is covered and I feel terrible to not remember. The others have to be at pharmacies to be covered. I feel terrible that I'm blank right now on which one she gave me that will be covered. We get the others at Walgreens.

[Havarti]

@Still Raining 

Would you be willing to share what Part D plan you have that covered it?  I am trying to lock down a new Part D plan for 2020 and if I can find one in my area that covers it that would be a big consideration for me.  I know what you have might not be available in my areas, but is it worth checking.  Otherwise it is $300+ ($15+ each).  TIA

[Nonametoday]

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@Havarti wrote:

@Icegoddess 

I think it runs more like $300 ($150 per shot) on Medicare.  It makes no sense to me that younger people on regular insurance pay nothing for it and older people on a limited fixed income - who are more likely to get shingles - are charged so much.  Medicare covers pneumonia shots, but not shingles.  Makes no logical sense to me.

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@Havarti @icegoddess

If our government were smart, the Shingrix injections would be free.  I have had shingles more than once and the shot gave me no protection since I have immunodeficiency and unable to make antibodies.  You cannot imagine how much money it has cost me in specialty fees from neurologists, to ophthalmologists to neuroophthalmologists, dermatologists, etc., and Medicare has been picking up a lot of that bill.  Imagine if the shingles shot had worked for me, how money-saving it would have been to the government and any other insurance company for that matter, so mine is just one case.  Imagine how many people get shingles as elders who require more treatment and in rare cases, death.  It is foolish not to be paid for by Medicare in toto.

[Havarti]

@Nonametoday 

I so agree with you!  I have had shingles 4 times.  I had the previous pair of shots, and have not had it again since.  However, they say this set of shots offers so much more protection for many.  Since I have this history with shingles, it seems foolish not to get the shots.  I have not found a Plan D that will cover it in my area so I hope someone who has received it free/cheap will share the name of their Plan D company so I can see if it is available to me in my area.  

It is totally foolish that it is not covered under Medicare B like flu shots & pneumonia shots.  So many seniors suffer horribly from shingles and like you said, it is costly to both Medicare & supplemental plans.  Far better for all to stop it before it get started, or lessen it.  I just don't understand the logic behind it being excluded.  I am so sorry it was not able to help you.  

[Still Raining]

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@Havarti wrote:

@Still Raining 

Would you be willing to share what Part D plan you have that covered it?  I am trying to lock down a new Part D plan for 2020 and if I can find one in my area that covers it that would be a big consideration for me.  I know what you have might not be available in my areas, but is it worth checking.  Otherwise it is $300+ ($15+ each).  TIA

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Because of where I live, I am between a CAH hospital on the coast and a 500+ bed teaching one in town.  Seemed best to use their own advantage plan.  So what I choose would not necessarily work for anyone else.  Good luck looking!

[patbz]

@Still Raining : As stated earlier, I got my Shingles shots for free.  Pharmacy didn't even ask for my insurance, therefore I assume in my state (Arizona) giving these shots for free to all who are at least 65.  Arizona isn't usually among the most progressive state but they pulled through this time!  My suggestion is to call your pharmacy for costs (you might be pleasantly surprised.

[Still Raining]

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@patbz wrote:

@Still Raining : As stated earlier, I got my Shingles shots for free.  Pharmacy didn't even ask for my insurance, therefore I assume in my state (Arizona) giving these shots for free to all who are at least 65.  Arizona isn't usually among the most progressive state but they pulled through this time!  My suggestion is to call your pharmacy for costs (you might be pleasantly surprised.

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Thanks for thinking of me but I was done with the series several months ago.   The charge was very nominal.