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

A person with a shopping cart already containing medicaid and medicare sees Medigap options on a table. In a thought bubble, they ask "Should I get Medigap too?"

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Jan 7, 2023

Cover image

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

Apr 25, 2023

A women's restroom sign that has been modified to show the stick figure woman needing to use the toilet

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Jan 11, 2023

Doctor showing patient bone anatomy of skeleton of nose and nasal cavity on skull. Preparing for rhinoplasty surgery, correcting deviated nasal septum, localization of rhinitis, sinusitis in nose stock photo

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Nov 18, 2022

Cover image

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

Mar 27, 2023

Orthopaedist at work treating a bunion, stock photo

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Nov 29, 2022

Mouth guard used to help treat sleep apnea

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Dec 8, 2022

Kansas farm stock photo

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Mar 22, 2023

Fair Square

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Nov 29, 2022

scleral lenses

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Dec 5, 2022

20 Q's with Fair Square

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

Mar 17, 2023

a variety of pills in a daily pill organizer stock image

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Dec 5, 2022

Costco & Fair Square

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Jan 13, 2023

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Nov 30, 2022

senior man experiencing discomfort stock image

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Dec 6, 2022

Plastic surgeon handles a silicon implant

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Jan 5, 2023

The feet of a man suffering from foot pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Nov 18, 2022

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) symptoms stock photo

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Dec 1, 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

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Explained

Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?

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