Aging can be beautiful, but it comes with its fair share of surprises.
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.
A B12 shot B12 deficiency
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,
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects more than 20% of the elderly population
If you have B12 deficiency, your doctor may suggest that you eat Vitamin B12-rich foods
Let's look at the situations where Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments
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
Even if Medicare Part B approves your B12 shots, you may still owe a copay. This is determined by the type of Medicare plan
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 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
Just like Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage plans have a formulary of drugs they'll cover. If your Medicare Advantage plan
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 .
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
Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan
Sep 21, 2023
Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?
Jul 14, 2025
How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
Aug 14, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Nov 30, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
Nov 29, 2022
How to Apply for Medicare?
Jul 15, 2022
Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?
Nov 30, 2022
2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report
Mar 4, 2025
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Jun 2, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Jan 10, 2023
Explaining IRMAA on Medicare
Dec 21, 2022
2024 Fair Square NPS Report
Mar 19, 2025
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?
Jan 24, 2023
Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?
Dec 6, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?
Dec 2, 2022
How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?
Apr 12, 2023
Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?
Nov 23, 2022
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix
15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
Building the Future of Senior Healthcare
Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?
Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?
Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025
Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?
Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?
Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?
Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?
Does Medicare Cover an FMT?
Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?
Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?
Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?
Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?
Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?
Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?
Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?
Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?
Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?
Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?
Does Medicare Cover Piqray?
Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?
Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?
Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?
Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?
Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?
Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?
Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?
Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?
Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?
Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare
Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare
How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You
How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?
How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?
How to Become a Medicare Agent
How to Enroll in Social Security
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?
Medicare Advantage MSA Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65
Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
Plan G vs. Plan N
Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?
Turning 65 and Thinking of Keeping COBRA? Here’s Why It Usually Backfires
Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter
What If I Don't Like My Plan?
What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?
What's the Deal with Flex Cards?
Will Medicare Cover it?
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
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. © 2025 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