Hepatitis B Shots

What it is:

Hepatitis is a swelling of the liver that makes it stop working well. Your liver helps your body digest food, store energy and remove poisons.

Why it’s important:

These shots can keep you from getting hepatitis. Medicare covers the shot if you are at medium to high risk for hepatitis B. You should discuss your risks with your doctor.

Who is covered:

People at medium to high risk for Hepatitis B are covered for these shots. You are at higher risk for Hepatitis B if you have:

hemophilia
End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure)
a condition that lowers your resistance to infection.

Other factors may also increase your risk for Hepatitis B. Check with your doctor to see if you are at medium to high risk for this illness.

How often it’s covered:

You need 3 shots to be completely protected from Hepatitis B. Ask your doctor for more information about when and how to get these shots.

What you pay:

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for this service — after you meet your Part B deductible ($155 in 2010).

Learn more about Hepatitis B shots on Medicare.gov.

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Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.