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

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

Senior couple going over their finances in front of a computer stock image

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

Dec 27, 2022

a doctor tells her patient she doesn't accept medicare. the patient wonders what to do stock image

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

Feb 24, 2023

various cartoon scenarios showing long term care stock photo

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

Sep 16, 2022

Doctor physician consulting with male patient in hospital exam room stock photo

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Dec 6, 2022

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

Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?

Dec 2, 2022

Medicare Set Aside funds stock image

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

Jan 20, 2023

Acute psoriasis on elbows is an autoimmune incurable dermatological skin disease stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Jan 17, 2023

scleral lenses

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Dec 5, 2022

Electrocardiograph with pacemaker stock photo

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

Nov 21, 2022

Unrecognizable person undergoing surgery in the clinic stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Nov 28, 2022

senior man on a phone call stock image

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

Apr 11, 2023

senior man receiving dental care stock photo

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Jun 2, 2022

woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Nov 19, 2022

Female physiotherapist helping elderly man in wheelchair do exercises with dumbbells at health center stock photo

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

Jan 20, 2023

stack of books stock image

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Apr 6, 2023

Medsupp Thumbnail

Plan G vs. Plan N

Jan 28, 2022

treehouse

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

May 25, 2020

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is Plan J?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

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

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50