Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Vitamin in a syringe stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Aug 15, 2022

If You Need B12 Shots, Does Medicare Cover Them?

Aging can be beautiful, but it comes with its fair share of surprises.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

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.

What's a B12 Shot?

A

B12 shot

is an injection for Vitamin

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,

it's not uncommon to experience anemia, chronic fatigue, mouth ulcers, depression, or memory loss — along with many other symptoms.

Visual asset.

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

. Something else they might suggest are B12 shots. These are a quicker way to replenish your B12 levels, especially if you have difficulty absorbing Vitamin B12 from food.

Does Medicare Cover B12 Shots?

Let's look at the situations where

Medicare

will cover your B12 shots. Keep in mind that even if you do get Medicare coverage for your B12 shots, you might still have

deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments

.

Medicare Parts A and B

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

that need to be administered by a medical professional).

Even if Medicare Part B approves your B12 shots, you may still owe a copay. This is determined by the

type of Medicare plan

that you're on.

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

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

Medicare Advantage plans

, also known as Medicare Part C, are health insurance plans offered by private insurance companies. They cover the same benefits as Original Medicare — Part A and Part B — but they can also provide additional coverage for providers' visits and treatments like prescription drugs.

Just like Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage plans have a formulary of drugs they'll cover. If your

Medicare Advantage plan

includes prescription drugs and B12 shots in its drug formulary, you may get coverage. Check with your plan provider to find out if they cover B12 shots.

How Much Does a B12 Shot Cost?

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

.

Medicare can potentially help you get these treatments at little to no cost.

Conclusion

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

of experts is happy to check your plan's coverage and answer any other Medicare-related questions you have.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Cover image

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Sep 21, 2023

Cover image

Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?

Jul 14, 2025

Cover image

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

Aug 14, 2023

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Nov 30, 2022

Man with disability and service dog stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Nov 29, 2022

Medicare check yes stock image

How to Apply for Medicare?

Jul 15, 2022

Cover image

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Nov 30, 2022

All Book Retention Data

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Mar 4, 2025

senior man receiving dental care stock photo

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Jun 2, 2022

Pile of junk in a house, hoarder room pile of household equipment needs clearing out stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?

Jan 10, 2023

Senior couple going over their finances stock photo

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Dec 21, 2022

Screenshot 2025-03-19 at 5.02.46 PM

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

Mar 19, 2025

Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

Mar 7, 2023

Human hands holding healthy lung shape made from paper on light blue background. stock photo

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

Jan 24, 2023

Rattlesnake biting on a hiker's boot stock image

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Dec 6, 2022

Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Dec 2, 2022

woman working from home with a headset on stock image

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

Apr 12, 2023

Model of the lungs with the diseased part. Cancer or Ground glass opacity GGO. stock photo

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Nov 23, 2022

More of our articles

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?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

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