Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

a variety of pills in a daily pill organizer stock image

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 5, 2022

Depending on your vitamins, you might get coverage

Regardless of your age, taking vitamins can be a useful component of maintaining your health. But for Medicare coverage of vitamins to kick in, they have to be considered critical rather than useful. Medicare covers some vitamins, but most over-the-counter vitamins are unlikely to be covered. Let's dig deeper into the distinction and how it might affect you.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

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

Medicare coverage of vitamins

Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs and some over-the-counter products in certain situations, does cover some vitamins. Specifically, Medicare will pay for vitamins and minerals that are prescribed by a doctor as part of treatment for a medical condition or illness. Vitamins prescribed to treat diseases like anemia or premenstrual syndrome may be covered by Medicare. You should check your Part D formulary for a list of prescription drugs covered on your specific plan.

However, vitamins prescribed for the prevention of disease or simply to supplement a healthy diet, such as multivitamins, are not covered by Medicare Part D. This means you will have to pay out-of-pocket if you want to get these types of vitamins.

In some instances, Medicare Part B might cover vitamins if you need them injected. For example,

Vitamin B-12

could be administered to treat a vitamin deficiency, which Medicare Part B would cover. Medicare Part B can also cover some testing for vitamins, such as a 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D test. The key to receiving coverage is that the vitamins and/or test must be medically necessary as prescribed by your doctor.

Medicare does cover some vitamins prescribed to treat medical conditions or illnesses, it typically doesn’t cover vitamins taken as part of a healthy diet. If you are looking for an easy way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals, talk to your doctor.

How do you know if you need vitamins?

It is important to speak with your doctor if you think you may need vitamins. They will be able to advise on the types of vitamins that might be beneficial for you based on your medical history and current health condition. Your doctor can also evaluate any symptoms you may have to determine if a vitamin deficiency is at the root cause.

What are the benefits of taking vitamins?

Vitamins are essential micronutrients that can play a key role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Vitamins can help prevent illness, enhance energy levels, support cognitive function, and improve skin health. Taking vitamins can also reduce the risk of certain illnesses like cancer and heart disease.

Which Medicare plans might cover over-the-counter vitamins?

Medicare Part D may cover some vitamins if they are prescribed by a doctor as part of treatment for a medical condition or illness. However, there are other Medicare plans that might provide coverage for over-the-counter vitamins and supplements.

Medicare Advantage plans

, also known as Medicare Part C, may offer additional benefits that include coverage for over-the-counter medicines and vitamins. However, you will need to check with your Medicare Advantage plan provider to see what is included.

How to get your vitamins if they're not covered by Medicare?

If your vitamins are not covered by Medicare, you still have options for getting the vitamins and supplements you need. The best option is to look into ways of buying in bulk or searching online for discounted prices.

You can also speak with your doctor about over-the-counter brands that may be more affordable than name brand products. Additionally, some pharmaceutical companies offer discounts and coupons for their products. Finally, there are various discount programs available that may help lower the cost of vitamins and supplements.

Tips for taking vitamins

Overall, vitamins can be a valuable component in maintaining your health. To ensure you are taking them correctly and getting the most benefit, remember to:

  • Consult your doctor for advice on which type of vitamins or supplements are best for you.

  • Read the dosage instructions carefully and follow them closely.

  • Take the vitamins at consistent times each day.

  • Follow up with your doctor regularly.

As a reminder, this content is for informational purposes only. Talk with your healthcare professional to get answers personalized for your situation.

Conclusion

The answer to whether Medicare covers vitamins depends on the type of vitamin, why you need it, and which Medicare plan you have. Generally speaking, Medicare doesn't cover vitamins unless they're deemed medically necessary. You should check in with your doctor before starting or stopping taking vitamins. This content is for informational purposes only. For any other questions about your Medicare coverage, give us a call. Fair Square Medicare is here for you.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

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

Recommended Articles

senior african american man feeling pain in his knees from arthritis while on a couch stock photo

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

Jan 25, 2023

Vitamin in a syringe stock photo

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Aug 15, 2022

heart surgery stock image

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

Jan 27, 2023

Fair Square

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Oct 6, 2022

stack of books stock image

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Apr 6, 2023

senior woman doing botox stock photo

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Jan 19, 2023

woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Nov 19, 2022

Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Jan 20, 2023

amazon box

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

Jun 8, 2020

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

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Nov 23, 2022

senior man experiencing discomfort stock image

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Dec 6, 2022

Cover image

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

Jul 14, 2025

An illustrated image of a cartoon man using giant scissors to cut the "T" in the word "Tax"

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Dec 28, 2022

Cover image

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Apr 27, 2023

Cover image

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

Sep 20, 2023

Close up top view of a woman showing a round-shaped Lipoma fatty tumor on an open palm stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Dec 8, 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

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

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Jan 17, 2023

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 Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

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

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

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

Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Compare Medigap Plans in 2025

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare 101

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

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

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

Turning 65 and Thinking of Keeping COBRA? Here’s Why It Usually Backfires

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

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